CNN Selecting Best 33 Temples in Korea- Donghae Samhwasa Temple

 

Samhwasa temple, most famous for its National Intangible Cultural Heritage, Suryukjae, is a historic temple located at the entrance to the Mureung Valley. Its distinctive feature is its three-day Suryukjae ceremony, which, along with various Buddhist rituals, also serves as a local cultural space. Key Features 

1) National Intangible Cultural Heritage Suryukjae:

The Suryukjae, which began as a national ritual during the reign of King Taejo of Joseon in 1395, is held for three days every year on the third week of October and was designated as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013.

Ritual content: This is a Buddhist ritual to make offerings to spirits and ghosts that wander on land and water.

Ritual composition: It consists of three stages: the trial stage, the commander stage, and the bathing stage, and five stages: the lion stage and the orodan stage.

2) Historical significance:

Goguryeo, It is located in the border region where Baekje and Silla fiercely fought, so it has great historical importance.

3) Location:

It is located at the entrance of the Mulleung Valley in Donghae City and has beautiful mountain scenery.

Cultural Space: Donghae Buddhist University serves as a cultural hub for the local community, serving as a venue for lectures, Buddhist services, retreats, and various educational and conference venues.

3) Cultural properties:

**Samhwasa Three-story Stone Pagoda**, estimated to date from the late Silla period to the late Goryeo period, is designated as a cultural heritage of Gangwon-do.