Seongbulsa Temple (Cheonan)

Seongbulsa Temple is a small temple located on Taejosan Mountain in Cheonan, Chungcheongnam-do. There is a theory that it was first founded by State Preceptor Doseon during the reign of King Taejo of Goryeo (r. 918–943), but this is not certain. It is said that Damhye rebuilt it in the 5th year of King Mokjong of Goryeo (1002), and that King Taejo of Joseon rebuilt it in 1398 on the advice of Master Muhak, but this too is not certain.
When this temple was founded, a pair of white cranes flew in from the sky and began carving a Buddha image on this natural rock wall, but they flew away before completing it, so it came to be called Seongbul(不)sa, and later the name was corrected to Seongbul(佛)sa. In fact, a faint Buddha image is carved on the rock wall.
Within the precincts are buildings including the central main hall, Daeungjeon, as well as a Sansingak (Mountain Spirit Shrine) and a Yosachae where the monks live. There is no Buddha image enshrined inside Daeungjeon. This is because the main object of worship is the carved rock-face standing Buddha on the cliff behind, visible beyond the glass window. The rock-face stone Sakyamuni triad, the 16 Arhat statues, and the standing Buddha carved in relief on this rock, which stands tall at the end of the mountain ridge behind Daeungjeon, are executed in bas-relief. The 16 Arhat statues are heavily worn and monotonous, but are said to be works of outstanding artistry, notable for their simple, unadorned carving technique and free composition.

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Restroom

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