Baekyangsa

Infobox Korean name


caption=entrance of Baekyangsa
hangul=백양사
hanja=白羊寺
rr=Baegyangsa
mr=Paegyangsa

Baekyangsa, also spelled Baegyangsa, is a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It is situated in Bukha-myeon, Jangseong County, in South Jeolla province, South Korea. Built in 632 under the Baekje kingdom, it lies on the slopes of Baegam-san in Naejangsan National Park.

History

Baeyangsa was established by Yeohwan zen master. Its original name was Baekam sa. In Goryeo dynasty, it was called as Jeong-to sa. In Korean, Jeongto is the same concept with the heaven of Christianity. The name of the temple means "white sheep," and refers to a legend from the Goryeo period in which a white sheep came down from the mountain to listen to a sermon, and was sufficiently enlightened that it was able to ascend into Paradise.

In Japanese occupation era, the temple was recognized one of the main temples through Korean peninsula. It belongs to Chogye order in present time. These days, large role was allocated in Baekyang temple for educating monks around Jeolla area.

Forests

Large amounts of Torreya nucifera range around Baekyang temple. Actually, this area come under one of the north most area where Torreya nucifera can grow in Korean peninsula.

Transportation

Train is the best vehicle for reaching Baekyangssa temple. Many trains stop at Baekyangsa station except for KTX.

ee also

*List of Korea-related topics
*Buddhist temples in South Korea
*Religion in South Korea

External links

* [http://www.baekyangsa.com/ Official site, in Korean]
* [http://chonnam.chonnam.ac.kr/~scoutts/Photos/Korea/welcome_to_baekyangsa.htm Photo gallery by Sean Coutts]
* [http://eng.koreatemple.net/travel/view_temple.asp?temple_id=18&code=A013018 KoreaTemple profile]