Donghwasa Temple. Daegu, SK

The Donghwasa Temple (동화사), formerly named Yugasa, is located on the south side of the Palgongsan Mountain, near the city of Daegu. The temple was initially built by the monk Geukdal-jonja during King SoJi’s reign in 493, being later reconstructed during King Heungdeok’s reign in 832. Donghwasa literally means ‘Paulownia Blossom Temple’ as, according to the legend, during its reconstruction, wild paulownia trees bloomed around the temple. The current temple structure was built in 1732, although several renovations, additions and landscaping have taken place in the past few decades. By the time I visited the temple, Buddha's Birthday's date was near and the decorations of the temple had already started.

The main temple (Daeungjeon) may be found behind the Bongseoru Hall. The staircase leading to the main temple (the "Nugak Stairs") is decorated on both ways with railings in the shape of dragons and, in the center, with a pair of spherical stones (Yeouiju) often associated with dragons. At the right side of the staircase is the bell pavilion. 

The main temple is segmented into 3 sections at the front and side, and its natural looking pillars are one of its main attractions. The Josa-jeon Hall houses portraits of important monks the temple like Samyeong-daesa and Geukdal. Immediately behind, are the Sanshin-gak and the Chilseong-gak where paintings of Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit) and Chilseong (The Seven Stars) can be found. 

Passing through the Seolbeopjeon Gate (which houses the Four Great Heavenly Kings), you may find the Geumgang Stairs at your right. The Heavenly Kings are four gods, each of whom watches over one cardinal directions of the world. They are said to be the protectors of the world and fighters of evil (as it can be seen inside the Seolbeopjeon Gate), each one of them commanding a legion of supernatural creatures to protect the Dharma.

Walking down the stone stairs, you will come to the huge Seokjoyaksa Yeoraebul. The 30 m statue was created as a prayer for the reunification of Korea and completed in November, 1992. Along with the statue, two equally massive stone pagodas and lanterns measuring impressive 17 and nearly 8 m in height respectively, can be seen. As I visited the temple in March, decorations for Buddha’s Anniversary in May had just started. The National Reunification (Tongil) Temple was built in the 1980s, allowing people to pray inside the temple and seeing Buddha while doing it. Underground, the Seon meditation center can also be visited.