Waujeongsa Temple (와우정사)

Waujeongsa (와우정사) is located in Yongin, Gyeonggido. I've actually been trying to visit this temple for awhile now but the travelling time put me off. This temple took about 1.5-2 hours to get to from where I live (Dongtan), as there is no direct way to get there. I finally decided to go this weekend because I haven't really done anything since I've been back in Korea. Today turned out to be an amazing day because the sky was blue and the sun was out. 

Waujeongsa is a quiet, yet fascinating temple established in 1970. This temple is significant because it is where the Korean Buddhist Nirvana began and also because the monk who established the temple, Kim Hae-Geun, built it so people could pray for the reunification between the north and south nations. This temple is most impressive because of its large golden Buddha head (Buldu) at the front of the temple. Underneath the golden Buldu is a glass case with burning white candles with names written on them as well as smaller Buddha statues.

This is the typical Korean Dancheong (Korean wood painting) that you see at most temples and palaces.

Here you will see an abundant amount of colourful paper lanterns and trinkets with well wishes on them.

I'm not quite sure what this emerald statue actually is. There is a painting behind the sculpture of Buddha by a body of water recieving gifts, so maybe it has something to do with water.

More colourful lanterns

These pagodas are made by rocks brought from holy sites from all over the world. As long as visitors keep bringing rocks to the temple pagodas will keep being built. 

Stone pagodas made from rocks all over the world!

If you do a lot of hiking or visit temples you will notice Koreans love to stack rocks on top of each other. Koreans stack rocks to wish for good fortune, just as North America's do with stars or birthday candles. If the stack falls that means the wish will not come true.

The Golden Unity Bell is just one of the many ways this temple shows hope for reunification.

Below is Waujeongsa's main hall. Inside you will see a variety of golden Buddhas with their legs crossed.

Main Hall

In the middle of the temple you will find 'The Reclining Buddha' (Wabul) in a cave like building. It is actually made from Chinese Juniper brought in from India. It's really interesting because you can really see the Indian influence in this Buddha. Also, the ceiling in this cave is filled with well wishes attached to colourful paper lanterns.

This temple actually houses Buddhas from China, India, Thailand, Myanmar and Sri Lanka, which is why all the Buddha statues are significantly different. What country do you think this statue is from?

A golden Buddha surrounded by stained glass

There are a few roof tile pagodas. These are realy interesting because you don't typically see pagodas made from this kind of tile.

My favourite part of this temple was the carins (pile of stone). It looks like pagodas you would see in Myanmar or Indonesia.

A field of carins

Something I have NEVER seen in Korea is the use of elephants in a temple. While I was in Thailand and Cambodia I saw this almost everywhere. I like Buddha from different countries are represented in this temple. It definitely gives it an edge over other Korean temples.

This wall tells stories of Buddha's life and is very colourful!

Buddha's life story told in paintings

On the curved path headed back down the hill is an enclave with a collection of stone Buddhas. In the center you can see a reclining stone Buddha as well.

Stone Buddhas

These three Buldu's are located near the bottom of the hill where the jewelry and trinkets are being sold.

Three Thai Buldu's

Paper Lanterns

I thought this owl statue was very random! But it's so cute!

Other attractions: 

• Sakyamuni Bulgohangsang statue
  
• Bell of Unification
  
• Broze Buddha
  
• 5-Dhyani Buddha 
  
• 12 Stone Zodiak Animals 
  
• Emancipated Stone Buddha and more....
  

​