Jungshim is one of the best places to learn about the cherished traditions and culture of South Korea. It’s also one of the best companies to approach for the most culturally enlightening sightseeing tours in the country.
At Jungshim, one of the most fascinating things that people may learn about is the various major and historical temples in South Korea. A fine example of this is Haeinsa, which in English means “reflections on a smooth sea”. According to legends, the temple was built sometime in the 9th century by King Aejang, who was grateful when the province’s first settlers, monks Ijeong and Suneung, healed the queen’s tumor. Best known for its “Tripitaka Koreana” scripture wood blocks, the temple was officially recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1995. Located in the province of Gyeongsang and nestled atop Gaya Mountain, the Buddhist temple was almost devastated when Korea entered a war with the Mongolians. The country’s government, exiled to the island of Ganghwa, sought to improve their chances of regaining their land by enlisting the help of the Buddhist monks in the Temple of Haeinsa. In 1817, a huge fire destroyed almost all of the wooden buildings of the temple, with only the library bearing the Triptaka scriptures surviving the fiery incident. The main worship hall of the temple was later reconstructed in 1818. In 1962, the scripture wood blocks as well as the entire library hall, which was built in the late 15th century, were officially recognized as a national treasure of Korea.
More temples like the Tongdosa may be explored with the help of Jungshim’s expert staff.