* Hyangilam Hermitages :
Local Cultural Asset No. 40
Hyangilam is one of four Buddhist hermitage
in Korea where the faithful Buddists prepare to come to pray.
The other three are Hongyeunam Hermitage of Naksansa Temple,
Boriam Hermitage of Namhae Gumsan, and Bomunam Hermitage of
Gangwhado Island. Hyangilam means a Hermitage standing toward
the sun. It was first built by Buddhist Priest Wonhyo at a Yullim
village, Dolsan county in 644 (the 13th year of King Seundeuk
of Shilla Dynasty).
At that time, the name of the hermitage was
Wontongam Hermitage. Strange shaped rocks and spires of Mt.
Gumo surround the hermitage, which sits in the midst of subtropical
forest and camellia groves.
Because of the spectacular sunrise above the
South Sea horizon, the name of the hermitage was changed to
Hyangil-
Am, in 1715 (the 41st year of King Suk-jong
of the Choseun Dynasty).
This place is also well known as the holy
Turtle hermitage for it's outward appearance of rocks looking
like the shell of a turtle.
It is especially popular site at the new year's
dawn, (especially at the dawn of the New Year's day). A large
number of the Buddist pilgrims are eager to visit this place
to appreciate the spectacular sunrise.
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