---

The exquisite harmony of Jirisan’s drifting fog and the gentle breeze of the Seomjingang River warmly invites you to this sacred place. Hwaeomsa Temple is truly a “treasure house,” home to numerous cultural relics designated as National Treasures by the Korean government. More than a historical site, it is a holy place where visitors may seek spiritual insight and enlightenment. Nestled at the foot of Mt. Jirisan—one of the most sacred mountains in Korea—Hwaeomsa has stood for over 1,700 years. Throughout its long history, the temple has faithfully preserved not only the Buddha’s teachings but also the rich history, culture, and traditions of Korea. The mountain mist that frequently envelops the grounds lends the temple a serene and mystical atmosphere. Hwaeomsa was founded in the 5th century by Patriarch Yeongi, an Indian monk who brought the Avatamsaka Sutra (Flower Ornament Sutra) from India. For this reason, the temple became a center of the Hwaeom School of Buddhism. As the sutra describes the realm of the Buddha’s enlightenment, Hwaeomsa itself is often regarded as a living embodiment of that enlightened realm. During the reign of King Gyeongdeok of the Unified Silla Dynasty, the great Master Uisang resided here and developed Hwaeomsa into a major center of Hwaeom philosophy, overseeing a network of eight temples and eighty-one hermitages. Many of the temple’s outstanding National Treasures date back to this flourishing period. Tragically, during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598), most of the temple buildings were destroyed by fire, leaving only stone pagodas and lanterns intact. They were later rebuilt, and Hwaeomsa continues to safeguard numerous priceless cultural treasures. We warmly invite you to step inside Hwaeomsa Temple and experience the profound depth of Korean Buddhism, history, and culture for yourself.