길상사

Stepping onto hallowed ground, we find ourselves at Gilsangsa Temple. This isn’t just any temple. Gilsangsa holds a unique story, a blend of the sacred and the surprisingly secular. Located on the slopes of Mount Samgaksan in northern Seoul, Gilsangsa Temple offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle. Interestingly, Gilsangsa didn’t begin its life as a place of worship. The buildings originally housed a high-class Korean restaurant called Daewongak. This restaurant, owned by Kim Yeong-han, was a popular spot for politicians and military generals. In a surprising turn of events, Kim Yeong-han donated the land and building to Monk Beopjeong Sunim in 1987. This generous act led to the transformation of the restaurant into Gilsangsa Temple, a branch of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Officially registered in 1995, Gilsangsa is a relatively new temple. Gilsangsa Temple’s main hall, Geungnakjeon, houses a statue of Amitabha Buddha, the Buddha of Infinite Light. Another important building is Seolbeopjeon, containing a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and a thousand smaller Buddha statues. This building serves as a space for meditation, prostrations, and even sleeping for those participating in temple stays. Gilsangsa isn’t just a place for quiet contemplation. It’s a vibrant hub of activity, operating a Buddhist college and a Zen meditation center. The volunteer group “Clean and Fragrant” also calls Gilsangsa home. As you explore Gilsangsa, remember its unusual origins. From a place of political dealings and entertainment, it has transformed into a sanctuary of peace and spiritual growth. The temple’s relatively short history is filled with stories of community service and support for the less fortunate. Gilsangsa stands as a testament to the power of transformation and the enduring spirit of Buddhism in the heart of Seoul.