Geumgangam (Busan)

Geumgangam (Geumgang Hermitage) is a hermitage within Beomeosa Temple, located in Busan. The exact founding date is unknown, but records indicate that it was rebuilt in 1803 (the 3rd year of King Sunjo's reign) along with Daeseongam Hermitage of Beomeosa Temple by Master Chwigyu. A record from 1899 states that the monk Oseongwol established the first Seon (Zen) center at Geumgangam of Beomeosa Temple, making it significant as the starting point of the Seon tradition at that time. Among the repair records from the 1800s that remain today, the name of Geumgangam is found, allowing us to estimate the period of its reconstruction.

Starting in the 1980s, when Byeokpa resided as the head monk of Geumgangam at Beomeosa Temple, the hermitage, which had been merely a small hermitage within Beomeosa, gradually gained fame and began to expand. From 1984 to 1991, over about seven years, Byeokpa's disciple Jeongyeo led the reconstruction project, giving Geumgangam its current temple layout. The characteristic hanging boards and pillar inscriptions written in Hangeul were also installed during this time. To reach Geumgangam, head toward the north gate of Geumjeongsan Mountain on the left side of Beomeosa Temple; after passing Daeseongam Hermitage and following a rocky valley uphill, you will find Geumgangam, known as one of the Eight Scenic Views of Beomeosa Temple, [Geumgangmanpung].