59 Ssanggyesa-gil, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, South Gyeongsang Province
Upon returning from his studies in China, Silla’s State Preceptor Jingam
brought tea tree seeds. He planted them around Mt. Jirisan, and reestablished
a temple there, which is still home to large tea groves. In addition, he
performed beompae (traditional musical verses in praise of the Buddha) for
the first time here at Ssanggyesa. Next to the main dharma hall at Ssanggyesa
Temple is a stele dedicated to State Preceptor Jingam (National Treasure),
of which the text and calligraphy were rendered by Choe Chi-won. Both the
long path to the temple, which is lined with cherry blossom trees, and nearby
Buril Water Falls are famous. At nearby Chilbulsa Temple many Seon monks
diligently practice Seon in its Aja-bang Seon Hall.
