Samgak-san Yonghak-sa Cliff-Theme Temple in the Center of Bukhan-Sanseong Fortress Under Yongam-bong Peak -- within the National Park -- Visited August 2010 |
This temple was founded in the early 1700s, just above (south of) the Jungseong-mun Central Gate of the Bukhan-Sanseong [North-of-Han-River Mtn-Fortress], and only 50 meters north of Jungheung-saji in the scenic-gorge, on the west foot of Yongam-bong [Dragon-Rock Peak]. It was completely destroyed in the early 20th Century, but has now been rebuilt as a modern semi- shamanic devotional-temple with many stone statues dramatically set against the granite cliffs. Its name Yonghak-sa means "Dragon-Crane Temple", combining those two heaven-soaring auspicious symbol-creatures into an eum-yang (yin-yang) motif. |
Entranceway with old and new monuments |
The Sanshin-gak [Mountain-spirit Shrine] set above the others |
ceremony underway in the Main Hall |
Chilseong [Seven Stars] Shrine |
Statue-shrines of Yong-wang [Dragon-King of the Waters] and an obscure Child-Fertility spirit |