A place imbued with the breath of time, in search of the secret of the five-story stone pagoda of Guamsa (Jindo)
Have you ever heard stories, once brilliant but now quietly whispered, within the layers of history? In Jindo, Jeollanam-do, there is a temple that holds the answer to that question: Guamsa (Jindo).
Located deep in the foothills of Yeogwisan, this place is where the prosperity of the Goryeo Dynasty and the spirit of the late Baekje Dynasty coexist. It firmly held its ground even on the brink of ruin, and became the protagonist of a special story, seeing the light again through the ardent wishes of local residents.
Beyond being just a temple, let’s visit Guamsa (Jindo), where a stone pagoda has endured a thousand years and the spirit of our ancestors is fully preserved, and embark on a journey into history that we had temporarily forgotten?
Stories of Guamsa (Jindo) that bloomed in forgotten times
Guamsa (Jindo) preserves a history of great prosperity during the Goryeo Dynasty. At that time, numerous hermitages existed in the foothills of Yeogwisan, and its influence can be inferred from the fact that place names deeply associated with Buddhism, such as ‘Jungbanggol’ and ‘Buldanggol’, are still transmitted today.
However, sadly, over a long period, this great relic was gradually forgotten and fell into ruin. The thoughtful residents of Jindo, who could not bear to see a precious cultural heritage imbued with the spirit of their ancestors disappear, organized the Guamsa (Jindo) Restoration Project Sponsorship Committee and solidified their will for reconstruction.
Spark of hope, The journey of the restoration project
- Restoration Begins After being designated as a cultural heritage protection area in 1988, the full-scale restoration project commenced in 1991.
- Ongoing Even now, the project to fully restore this precious temple is steadily progressing, and visitors can witness the traces of these efforts.
Breaking a millennium of silence, revealed The truth of the Five-Story Stone Pagoda
An indispensable treasure when talking about Guamsa (Jindo) is the Five-Story Stone Pagoda located within the temple. This pagoda is presumed to have been built from the late Baekje Dynasty to the early Goryeo Dynasty, and is itself a valuable resource for glimpsing the trends of ancient Buddhist art.
Five-Story Stone Pagoda, Embracing the spirit of Baekje
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Notably, the discovery of traces where sarira were enshrined – specifically, a ‘recess’ – during the dismantling and repair work of this stone pagoda carries great significance. This strongly suggests that it was not merely an outdoor pagoda, but an ‘indoor pagoda’ enshrined within the main hall (Daeungjeon). An indoor pagoda within the Daeungjeon is a very rare case, once again highlighting the historical status of Guamsa (Jindo).
- Construction Period It boasts an ancient history, estimated to be from the late Baekje Dynasty or early Goryeo Dynasty.
- Revealed Secret During the dismantling and repair process, a recess for enshrining sarira was discovered, drawing academic attention.
- Unique Feature Through the sarira recess, it is highly likely that it was an indoor pagoda enshrined within the Daeungjeon, which is a very rare case.
A path walking along the breath of history, The way to Guamsa (Jindo)
Located in Gunnaemyeon, Jindo-gun, Guamsa (Jindo) is situated amidst the tranquil scenery of Yeogwisan. While its accessibility may not be exceptional, it is a place where one can fully enjoy a peaceful atmosphere in harmony with nature.
The beginning of a tranquil journey
Passing through the beautiful landscapes of Jindo, the path to Guamsa (Jindo) is a meditative experience in itself. It is advisable to check the exact location on a map before visiting.
Guidance for Visitors
- Address 148 Dunjengol-gil, Gunnaemyeon, Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do
- Transportation Using a private car is recommended, and if using public transportation, you may need to walk after taking a Jindo local bus.
- Parking Please note that there is limited parking space around the temple.
- Operation There are no specific visiting hour restrictions, but please observe quietly as there may be prayer times for the restoration project during your visit.
Jindo Travel with Guamsa (Jindo): Nearby Must-Visit Attractions
A visit to Guamsa (Jindo) is just the beginning of your Jindo trip. Jindo is a charming place where history, art, and nature come alive, offering diverse experiences in conjunction with Guamsa.
Other Treasures of Jindo
Recommended Nearby Tourist Attractions
- Jindo Tower An observatory where you can take in the magnificent panoramic views of Jindo Bridge and Uldolmok at a glance. Experience the emotion while overlooking the historical site.
- Unrimsanbang A place where the artistic spirit of Sochi Heo Ryeon, a master of Southern School painting during the Joseon Dynasty, lives on, offering artistic inspiration amidst tranquil scenery.
- Jindo Arirang Village A space where you can directly experience and feel Jindo’s traditional culture and the world-famous Jindo Arirang. Various performances and experiential programs are available.
Tips for Smart Travelers
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Recommended Visiting Time | 1-2 hours for Guamsa alone, half a day or more when combined with nearby attractions. |
| Attire | Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended as you may walk on mountain paths. |
| Admission Fee | Admission to Guamsa is free. |
| Notes | As the restoration project is ongoing, please cooperate in preserving cultural heritage by maintaining a quiet and respectful demeanor. |
Guamsa (Jindo), Where Past and Present Coexist
Guamsa (Jindo) is not merely an old temple. With the Five-Story Stone Pagoda imbued with the spirit of Baekje and the glory of the Goryeo Dynasty, as well as the passionate restoration efforts of modern residents, many layers of time have accumulated to form its current appearance. Every step taken here is like reading a page of history.
Guamsa (Jindo), embodying the hearts of people who grasp what is fading and make it bloom anew. If you wish to escape from daily life for a while during your Jindo trip and experience deep contemplation and the resonance of history, we highly recommend a visit. Listen closely to the thousand-year-old stories echoing from the tranquil mountain temple.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What kind of place is Guamsa (Jindo)?
Guamsa (Jindo) is a temple located on Yeogwisan in Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do, and is a Buddhist heritage site that prospered during the Goryeo Dynasty. The Five-Story Stone Pagoda, presumed to have been built in the late Baekje Dynasty or early Goryeo Dynasty, is particularly famous, and it is a historically significant place where restoration work is still ongoing.
Q2. Why is the Guamsa (Jindo) Five-Story Stone Pagoda important?
The Guamsa (Jindo) Five-Story Stone Pagoda is a valuable relic showcasing the style of the late Baekje Dynasty or early Goryeo Dynasty. Notably, traces where sarira were enshrined were discovered during its dismantling and repair, raising the possibility that it was an ‘indoor pagoda’ enshrined within the Daeungjeon, which further enhanced its historical value. Indoor pagodas are a very rare form.
Q3. What is the admission fee for visiting Guamsa (Jindo)?
Guamsa (Jindo) is a free-admission temple that does not charge a separate entrance fee. However, as the restoration project is still ongoing, we kindly ask for your cooperation in cultural heritage preservation and maintaining a respectful atmosphere during your visit.
Q4. Are there any nearby places worth visiting around Guamsa (Jindo)?
Yes, in conjunction with Guamsa (Jindo), it is recommended to visit Jindo Tower, Ullimsanbang, Jindo Arirang Village, and other places. You can experience Jindo’s beautiful natural scenery, rich history, and cultural arts together.
Q5. When was Guamsa (Jindo) restored?
For Guamsa (Jindo), residents, lamenting that a cultural heritage site imbued with the spirit of their ancestors was left in ruins, organized the Restoration Project Sponsorship Committee in 1988. Subsequently, it was designated as a cultural heritage protection area in 1988, and the full-scale restoration project commenced in 1991, continuing to this day.
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