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: 2010-9-9
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Buddhism / Confucianism
Although Gangnam-gu has a relatively short history, it has several large scale churches and temples with long histories.
Buddhism has a very long history. It originated in India over 2,600 years ago. The Mahayana branch was introduced to Korea around the fourth century. The power of Buddhism has grown and waned during that time, but overall it has greatly influenced Korean society, culture, and the arts. Today, roughly one third of Korea's population is Buddhist.
Many temples are quite large structures with several prayer halls and dormitories, other small ones may consist of little more than a small shrine. Found mostly in the mountains, a few can also be found inside cities.
Bongeun Temple in Gangnam-gu (located across from the COEX Inter-Continental Hotel and COEX Center) was established in 794 (long before the capital was moved to Seoul), making it the oldest temple in the city. During the Joseon Dynasty, it held the examinations to become a monk. It contains many cultural treasures, giving it a meaning not only as a Buddhist temple, but also as a place to experience culture and history in the middle of the city.
73, Samseong-dong
(located across from the COEX Inter-Continental Hotel and COEX Center)
Tel: 545-1448 (English, Japanese, and Chinese guide information is available)
Fax: 544-2141
It contains several important cultural properties:
Seonbuldang Hall
Panjeon
Avatamsaka sutra
Seonbuldang Hall
(Seoul Tangible Cultural Property # 64)M
- the place to teach Buddhist doctrine and rules.
Jangheung Temple Myeongdong-Jong
(Seoul Tangible Cultural Property # 76)
- with an inscription from the 25th year of the Hongmu Era.
Panjeon
(Seoul Tangible Cultural Property # 83)
- wooden tablet with 'Panjeon' written by Kim Jeonghui (a famous calligrapher and painter during the Joseon Dynasty)
- Panjeon is the oldest building in Bongeunsa.
Avatamsaka sutra
(Seoul Tangible Cultural Property # 84)
- 3,133 wood blocks containing the Avatamsaka sutra.
Korea belongs to a Confusion cultural area. Although not exactly a religion, the teachings of Confucius have greatly influenced Asian cultures and societies for over 2,000 years. Koreans' deep respect for education and authority comes directly from his teachings. Korea's version of Confucianism also combines with a deep respect for ancestors. Confucianism is embedded in Korea's language, customs, and rules deeply and has a close relation to Koreans' traditional values and culture. So much so that in order to discuss the Korean identity, Confucianism must be referred.
Copyright 2001-2006 by gangnam-gu (district) office . all rights reserved.
#426, hakdong-no, gangnam-gu, seoul, south korea (135-705) TEL: 82-2-2104-1268 / FAX: 82-2-2104-2410
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