Silluksa is located where the South Hangang River skirts the lower foothills of Bongmisan Mountain, flowing around the mountain’s base. As soon as you cross the river from Yeoju city, you will see beaches with white sand spread out, and the waves of the river in harmony with the low hills.
There lies Silluksa, a thousand year old temple that was established by Great Master (Daesa) Wonhyo in the Silla Dynasty. Most Korean temples are located in secluded mountainous regions. Uniquely for an old temple, this one is located on a blue waterway and spacious sandy plains, looking out on wide fields. The old temple against the river looks like a piece of scenic painting. Silluksa is said to have the most beautiful scenery in Gyeonggi-do Province.
What to see
Chosa-dang
Chosa-dang (the Hall of Ancient Masters, designated Treasure #180) is believed to have been built during the reign of King Yejong (1468-69) of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The portrait of Priest Naong-hwasang (14th century) hangs on the back wall, flanked by those of priests Chigong hwasang (14th century) and Muhak-Daesa (1327-1405). Built on a low stone platform facing south, the building is small in scale, and has no main beam. Two tiered brackets are installed inside and outside the building, and the carrying technique well displays the characteristics of the earlier Joseon period.
Stone Bell and Stone Lamp
This stone bell (designated Treasure #228) was erected in 1376 as a shirine for the bones of monk Seongag. The one story pagoda is bell shaped and suggets the influence of Indian holy sculpture. It is 160cm in height and 110cm around at its widest part. A nearby octagonal stone lamp (designated Treasure #231) is made of gray marble and was placed in front of a stone stupa in which the Buddhist monk Ranong is enshrined. It is 193cm high.
Multi-story Brick Pagoda
Standing on a stepped granite base, this multi-story brick pagoda (designated Treasure #226) exudes an air of stability. Of special note are the arabesque designs decorating some of the brick. The stele carries an inscription saying the pagoda was renovated in 1726, the second year of the reign of King Yongjo of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).
Multi-layer Pagoda
Built in 1472, the third year of King Songjong, this marble pagoda is one of the most outstanding of the early Joseon period (1392-1910), and was designated Treasure #225. The pagoda sits on a double foundation. Lotus blossoms are carved around the cover stones of the upper and lower foundation that are decorated with elaborate dragons and clouds. The roof stones and stories are each made of separate stones. The ornamental top portion is missing. It was built of white marble. It is a very important material for stone art research of the early Joseon period. Each side of the pagoda has beautiful and delicate inscriptions of a dragon and lotus flowers. The carved flowers on the four corners of the pagoda symbolize the Universe.
Monument to Shilleuksa Woodblock Repository
This monument (designated Treasure #230) dates from 1383, the ninth year of the reign of U-wang of the Goryeo Kingdom (318-1392). It is inscribed with a history of a sutra library that once stood here. The inscription, said to have been composed by Yi Sung-in and written by Kwon Chu, is illegible in many places. Sutras made by Yi Saek (a famous Neo-confucianist) and Priest Naong and his followers were housed in the library. With the inscribed slab set in a groove cut across the stone pedestal and supported on each side by a stone pillar, the stele is of a style popular during the late Goryeo period. The pedestal is carved with lotus and flower designs and the roof-like capstone is slightly upturned at the corners.
Beomjong-gak
In Buddhism the samul comparise 4 items: the temple bell (Beomjong), drum (Beopgo), wooden fishes (Mokeo), and cloud-shaped gong (Unpan). To strike the temple bell helps the living things to attain Buddhahood and to be free from earthly desire. To beat the drum, cloud gong, and wooden fish has the meaning to emit the sound of truth to all things and the aquatic life. These 4 items have the function of delivering the Buddha's truth to everything by the holy sound. Before the ritual ceremonies in the morning and evening, monks beat the drum, wooden fish, cloud gong, and temple bell in turns.
Monument to General Won Ho
General Won Ho was born in Yoju in the middle of the Joseon Dynasty. He had been living in Yoju since his retirement when the Japanese invaded Korea in 1592. He organized 300 civillians and runaway troops and attacked Japanese soldiers who were trying to cross the Yogang River near Shilleuk-sa and Paldae Forest. He won a great victory here and another in Kumip'o port by surprising Japanese soldiers camped in the port during an early morning raid. None of the Japanese soldiers survived. These were the first victories made on land against the Japanese soldiers who marched up to the north, and these victories raised the people's spirits.
After the battles, General Won was appointed as the administrator of Yoju country and the Commander-in-chief of Gyeonggi and Gangwon Provinces. He continued fighting, but was never seen again after the Geumhwa battle. After his death he was given the titles of Chungjang and Byongjopanseo (the Secretary of Defense).
Source
Silleuk-sa
Tel: (031) 885-2505, 880-1068 | E-mail: srs2505@paran.comNearby Atrractions:
Moka Buddhist Museum
This museum holds traditional Buddhist culture classes and annual exhibitions for the development of Korean culture. It is named after the pen name(Mok-a) of its curator . Outdoor sculpture exhibition hall which has several-kinds of Buddhist sculptures and a 15-meter high Buddha statue and pagodas, is outstanding.
Tel: 82-31-885-9952