The Dragon Temple: Exploring Daewonsa Temple
A 100-meter long dragon slithering through a temple
Daewonsa Dragon Temple is one of the most unique and aesthetically fascinating temple I’ve seen in Korea (second to Tapsa Temple).
The grounds are separated into two levels, the lower hall at the bottom, the main temple hall up a short rocky incline, with a 100-meter-long dragon slithering in between. Surprisingly, this temple isn’t very popular, so it's a great place to peacefully explore. I got there in the afternoon and was the only person there.
Why Dragons?
Dragons are very prevalent in Asian art, religion and culture. They can represent good fortune and spiritual clarity because their loud voices can clear away delusions. They are believed to have power over the sea, floods and storms. In Buddhism, dragons serve as the protectors of the Buddha and guard the temples.
How to get to the Daewonsa Dragon Temple
The Dragon Temple is about 20 miles north of the city of Pohang in a very rural, agricultural area. I visited the Dragon Temple on a road trip through Korea and car is the best way to get here.
But you can take a bus: from Pohang Bus Terminal, take bus #510 for 34 stops, or about 50 minutes and get off at the Chilpo 1-ri stop. From there, walk about 10 minutes down a dirt road to Daewonsa Temple. You may feel like you're going the wrong way, but keep going. Ask anyone you see if you think you're lost.
One Comment
Jiyeon Park
While searching for nice pictures of geumsansa I found your website and learne many things how western people feel about asian cultures.
Daewonsa is very important because the living buddha who had lived in Korea once studied the providence between the heaven and the earth there and we believe after he died his spirit still lives on in the sculpture of Mireuk in Geumsansa. Therefore, Geumsansa is considered as a origin of all Korean modern religions. Also a lot of people believe in the spiritual power of Mireuk, Geumsansa and pray for their wish and I’m the one of them. It’s greal pleasure to know one who knows the geumsansa and understands its meaning as western people. I’d like to visit your website more often.