Lost in the mists of time Munsusa Temple stands a testament to wisdom and history. But there are several Munsusa Temple, so we are talking about the one on Mt. Munsusan in Ulju-gun Ulsan. Are you ready to hear its story?
Munsusa Temple history stretches back to 646 A.D. The famed monk Jajang-yulsa founded it. He also founded the nearby Tongdosa Temple that same year. Imagine this monk’s dedication establishing two temples.
Originally the mountain was known by other names. It was called Mt. Yeongchuisan and Mt. Cheongnyangsan during the Silla and Goryeo dynasties. People believed Munsu-bosal lived here. Thus, the mountain and temple became Munsusan and Munsusa. The name honors Munsu-bosal the Bodhisattva of Wisdom.
Records from the Goryeo Dynasty about Munsusa Temple are missing. Time took its toll. In 1973 Munsusa Temple became Ulsan Traditional Buddhist Temple #3. Later in 1984 the Daeung-jeon Hall was rebuilt.
Munsusa Temple has myths. King Gyeongsun of Silla journeyed to Munsusa Temple with his sons. They wanted to know their future from Munsu-bosal. A young monk asked the king where he was going. The king said he was going to meet Munsu Daeseong. The young monk told the king to follow. After crossing the Taehwa River the monk vanished. The king realized the heavens had given up on them. He surrendered to King Taejo of Goryeo. This spot is called “Mugeo”. The realization spot is “Heolsujeong”.
Another myth involves Yeonhoi. He read the Lotus Sutra daily. Lotus flowers bloomed year-round at his temple. King Wonseong wanted Yeonhoi to become the national monk. Yeonhoi fled over the west hill. An old man farming asked where he was going. Yeonhoi explained he was fleeing an official position. The old man asked why he bothered to go so far. After walking two kilometers an old woman by a stream told him the old man was Munsu Daeseong. Ashamed Yeonhoi returned and became the national monk. The old man was Munsu-bosal. The old woman was Byeonjae Cheonnyeo. The hill became Munsu-gogae. The meeting spot is called “Ani-gogae”.
Munsusa Temple sits high on Mt. Munsusan. A winding six-kilometer road leads to the temple. The temple grounds seem to cling precariously to the mountainside. From here you can see amazing views of Ulsan below.
Pass by the kitchen then under the Jong-ru. The Jong-ru is a two-story bell pavilion. A trail continues to the mountain peak. Another path leads to the monk’s meditative hall.
The large Daeung-jeon Hall greets you. The front has a green Plexiglas enclosure. Inside seven statues rest on the main altar. Seokgamoni-bul sits in the center. Tiny golden dongja statues flank him. Statues of Munsu-bosal and Bohyeon-bosal stand beside the dongja. Images of Jijang-bosal and Gwanseeum-bosal stand on the far ends. A Shinjung Taenghwa hangs on the left wall.
To the right of the Daeung-jeon Hall is the Myeongbu-jeon Hall. A small three-story pagoda stands between the halls. Shimu-do decorate the exterior walls. Inside a green-haired Jijang-bosal holds a golden staff. Grotesque paintings of afterlife punishments adorn the walls. The vulture eating eyes stands out.
Behind the Myeongbu-jeon Hall a stone courtyard holds two statues. The faceless Seokbul-jwasang is older. It was carved from the mountain face. A newer statue of Yaksayeorae-bul stands nearby.
The Samseong-gak Hall is to the rear. Inside are shaman deities. Chilseong is in the center. Dokseong is to the right. Sanshin is to the left.
Munsusa Temple offers views and art. Look for the murals in the Myeongbu-jeon Hall. See the stone statues and shaman murals in the Samseong-gak Hall. Munsusa Temple invites contemplation and discovery.