Thursday, May 27, 2010

Tongdosa Temple in the vicinity of Busan




Located in southern part of Mt. Chiseosan, Tongdosa Temple is famous for not having any Buddhist statues in the temple. This is because the real shrines of the Buddha are preserved here. The name 'Tongdosa' was named after the belief that mankind can be saved through Buddhism. After Monk Ja-Jang brought the shrines of Buddha from Dang China, Tongdosa Temple was built during Queen Sun-Deok's reign (646). Tongdosa Temple is said to have survived numerous wars and invasions, its Beopdeung (temple candle) has never gone out, for 1,300 years. Inside, there are 35 buildings and Pagoda's, and 14 small temples in its vicinity. The main building is designated as National Treasure No.290. The temple is similar to a museum because of the numerous relics inside. There are 19 local treasures and 794 local cultural properties inside the temple. In place of the Buddha statue, the Geumgang Stairs behind of the main building preserves the shrines of the Buddha. Mt. Chiseosan, has a beautiful view from the temple. The several hundred year-old pine trees lined up from the entrance to Ilju Gate, the small drum (used when praying in front of a Buddha figure) and bell, the sunset, the pond and the rocks and waterfalls behind the temple are grouped and called the 'Eight Famous Sceneries of Tongdosa Temple.'

Local Transportation
From Yangsan Terminal, take city bus No. 12, 63, or 67 and get off at Tongdosa Temple (40 min ride).
Seongbo Museum (located within Tongdosa Temple)- Homepage: www.tongdomuseum.or.kr (English, Korean, Japanese, Chinese)- Hours: 9a.m.-6p.m. (Mar-Oct) (Ticket office closed at 5p.m./ 9a.m.-5p.m. (Nov-Feb) (Tickets office closed at 4:30p.m.) * However, Buddhist Script Exhibition Hall is opened from 9a.m.-11p.m., and 1p.m.~5p.m.- Closing: Every Tuesday, New Year's Day, Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving)- Admission FeeAges 19 to 65- 2,000 won (Group: 1,500 won), Ages 13-18 and Over 65- 1,000 won (Group: 700 won)* Groups are more than 30 persons. Children from ages 7 to 12- 1,000 won and 700 won for group.* Preschool students who come as a group are charged 700 won per student (free as individuals). * Disabled and children age 6 and under free of charge. - Admission Inquiries: 82-55-382-1001 (Korean)

Admission Fees
Ages 19 and Over : 2,000 won
Ages 13-18 : 1,500 won
Ages 7-12 : 1,000 won
* Groups are more than 30 persons.* Age 65 and over, age 7 and under admitted free of charge.

Address
Gyeongsangnam-do Yangsan-si Habuk-myeon Jisan-ri 574
telephome :
- Korea Travel Phone +82-55-1330 (English, Korean, Japanese, Chinese)- Tongdosa Temple Administration Office +82-55-382-7182 (Korean)

No comments:

Post a Comment