백련사

Whispers of ancient prophecies. That’s how the story of Baengnyeonsa Temple begins. We stand before Baengnyeonsa Temple, nestled in the serene mountains of South Jeolla Province. Its original name, Mandeoksa Temple, harkens back to the Silla Dynasty, built by Preceptor Muyeom during King Munseong’s reign. Later, during the Goryeo Dynasty, Preceptor Wonmyo rebuilt it, earning the title Baengnyeongyeolsa, the “White Lotus Master.” The temple then became known as Baengnyeonsa, the “White Lotus Temple”. Baengnyeonsa Temple isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a cradle of Buddhist scholarship, having nurtured eight preceptors of the Goryeo Dynasty and thrived for 120 years. This sacred ground also witnessed the unlikely friendship between scholar Dasan Jeong Yak-yong and Master Hyejang, bridging age and religious differences during Jeong’s exile. Look around. See the Forest of Common Camellias, a natural monument, its verdant embrace shrouding the temple. These ancient trees stand guard over four stupas from the Goryeo and Joseon eras. Imagine the vibrant red blossoms that paint the forest each November. Beyond the camellias lies Dasan Chodang and the sprawling tea fields, a testament to the wild tea that has grown here since the Goryeo Dynasty. These very tea fields inspired Jeong Yak-yong’s pen name, “Dasan,” a poignant reminder of his time in exile. Baengnyeonsa Temple, a place of tranquility, history, and profound connection.