Huyuam Hermitage
Huyuam Hermitage (휴휴암; map) isn’t a thousand-year-old temple like Naksansa just 23 kilometers up the road. This Buddhist retreat saw its first dawn in 1997 when Monk Hongbeop set up a small prayer hall on a hilltop overlooking Yangyang County’s East Sea coast.
The founder named the hermitage “Huyuam,” which means “’Rest and Rest Again.” One of the closest Buddhist temples to the sea in Korea, he wanted Huyuam to be a place for people to throw away the stresses of their daily lives and sort out their inner spiritual world.
Huyuam was just a picturesque seaside meditation spot for a few years before it shot to fame in 1999. Visitors noticed that a rock in the waters at the foot of the hermitage resembled a reclining Avalokiteśvara (관세음보살), a bodhisattva associated with compassion. Since then, believers have traveled from around the country to the rock to perform rituals and make wishes.
Main Features
Huyuam Hermitage is a complex that features several buildings, statues, and a group of unique rocks near the East Sea. Let’s take a tour.
Yeonhwadae Rock
Yeonhwadae (연화대) is a 50-meter wide, flat rock that sitting on the the East Sea below the main temple complex. Its name translates to “Lotus Flower Pedestal” because it resembles an oversized lotus flower. Descending from Huyuam, visitors cross a small beach, climb stairs over a boulder where a small house stands, and hop down a gangplank onto Yeonhwadae rock. There, they can pray, relax, or perform rituals.
A collection of distinctive rock formations surround Yeonhwadae, including: Avalokiteśvara Rock — which made Huyuam Hermitage famous — Toe Rock, Footprint Rock, Fist Rock, and more.
In the clear waters below Yeonhwadae, there often swims schools of yellowtail, flatfish, and sea bream.
Avalokiteśvara Statue
An assemblage of statues stands on the hillside above Yeonhwadae. The central statue depicts Avalokiteśvara. Made of granite dug from the hillsides of Iksan City, it weighs 115 tons, stands 16 meters tall, and holds a golden book. Believers say the Avalokiteśvara statue grants knowledge to those lacking wisdom.
A troupe of statues surrounds the centerpiece Avalokiteśvara, including one of the East Sea Dragon King, an ancient king that transformed into a dragon to protect Korea’s coastline.
Buildings
Huyuam Hermitage’s buildings include several prayer halls, dorms, and a ceremonial bell. Let’s check them out.
Myojeokjeon Hall
Myojeokjeon Hall (묘적전) is the main hall of Huyuam Hermitage, built in 1997 by Monk Hongbeop. It houses a statue of Avalokiteśvara with a thousand eyes and ears, symbolizing the bodhisattva’s ability to perceive and respond to the needs of all beings.
Avalokiteśvara Hall
Avalokiteśvara Hall (비룡관음전) is located below the main hall. It overlooks Yeonhwadae and the East Sea. The hall contains a statue of Avalokiteśvara riding a blue dragon, representing the bodhisattva’s role in guiding and protecting.
Avalokiteśvara Bell
Avalokiteśvara Bell (관음범종각) is a large ceremonial bell housed in a pavilion near the Avalokiteśvara Statue. The bell is used in various ceremonies and rituals, serving as a symbol of enlightenment and compassion.
