Does the name “Hundred Pool Temple” intrigue you? That’s the literal meaning of Baekhwa Temple. I will now tell you the story of this special place.
Baekhwa Temple has a history of repeated destruction and rebuilding. It was originally built in 647. The temple was sadly destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt in 790 only to be destroyed by fire again. The resilient temple was rebuilt in 987, but fire struck again. Rebuilt in 1434, it met the same fiery fate. Undeterred, it was rebuilt in 1447. Then, you guessed it, it was destroyed by fire. Finally, in 1457, the temple was rebuilt, only to be destroyed again in 1772, 1915, and 1950. Each time, fire was the culprit.
Originally called Hangyesa Temple, Baekhwa Temple was established by Ven. Jajang Yulsa. This happened in 647 in Hangye-ri. Over time, its name changed several times. It was known as Unheungsa, Samwonsa, Seongusa, and Yeongchwisa. In 1783, Choe Bung and Ven. Undam renamed it Baekdamsa Temple. This name means “Hundred Pool Temple”. This name was inspired by the 100 natural pools near the temple. These pools are fed by water from Daecheongbong Peak.
In 1905, the poet Han Yong-un was ordained at Baekhwa Temple. Ven. Undam attained enlightenment here. He then wrote great works like Joseonbulgyo yusinnon. He also wrote Siphyeondam juhae and a poetry collection. This collection was titled Nimui chimmuk.
Baekhwa Temple is located at the entrance to Inner Seorak. Unlike the busy Outer Seorak, Inner Seorak is quiet. It boasts much unexplored terrain and primitive forests. Baekhwa Temple oversees nearby hermitages. These include Bongjeongam Hermitage and Oseam Hermitage. These hermitages are located in remote folds of the mountains.
You can find monuments and Dharma halls related to Han Yong-un at Baekhwa Temple. There is the statue and poetry stele of Manhae. Also, you can visit the Manhae Memorial Hall and Manhae Educational Hall. Recently, Baekhwa Temple was designated a Gibon Seonwon. This means it is a Foundational Seon Temple. It established a special meditation center named Mumungwan. Practitioners can lock themselves in a room. They can practice meditation alone, without leaving, for a fixed period. The temple has become a refuge for young monks. These monks want to concentrate on Seon meditation practice.
Baekhwa Temple houses a Wooden Seated Amitabha Buddha. This is a state-designated cultural item. It is known as Treasure No. 1182. It is enshrined in the Paradise Hall. The statue was produced in 1748. This was when the temple was relocated from nearby Hangyesa. It is considered an excellent example of early 18th-century wood-carving.
Bongjeongam, a hermitage overseen by Baekhwa Temple, is noted for enshrining authentic relics of the Buddha. Ven. Jajang Yulsa brought these back after studying in China. You’ll find the hermitage 11 kilometers past Baekhwa Temple. It sits on the mountain behind Bongjeongam Hermitage. There is a five-story pagoda called Sakyamuni Relics Pagoda.
Climbing up from Baekhwa Temple along the Suryeom-dong Valley, you’ll find two more valleys. Gugok-dam is to the right. Gaya-dong is to the left. Farther up Gaya-dong Valley is another hermitage overseen by Baekhwa Temple called Oseam. A legend says that a five-year-old child monk was left alone here. This was on this secluded, snow-covered mountain. He survived the long, harsh winter. This was thanks to the blessings of Avalokiteśvara.
Baekhwa Temple also offers temple stay programs. Visitors can experience Buddhist culture here. These temple stays are held at national temples. This is in celebration of the nation’s largest holiday festival. Woljeongsa Temple, Baekdam Temple and Shinheung Temple in Gangwon Province conduct special temple stay programs for foreigners.
As you leave Baekhwa Temple, consider its long history. It is a testament to resilience, faith, and the enduring power of the human spirit.