History and feature of Jogyesa Temple

Jogye Temple is chief temple of the Jogye order which represents the Korean
Buddhism. It promotes embodiment of society where people live together and
Bodhisattva's spirit. Also, the temple is a historic site that has lived through the
turbulent modern history of Korea.

Jogye Temple was originally built in 1910 and bore the name of Gakhwangsa
Temple by the monks longing for independence of the Korean Buddhism and
recovery of Koreans' self esteem.

Gakhwangsa temple was the chief temple of modern Korean Buddhism and the first
propagation center that argued legitimacy of local Buddhism and the first temple
located inside the boundary of four gates of the city of Seoul.

Name of the temple changed to Taegosa in 1938 and again to present Jogye
Temple in 1954 in order to clear away the vestiges of Japanese colonial era.

Jogye Temple locates within the heart of Seoul, where the public can enjoy rest and
leisure time. The temple is well positioning itself as the chief temple of the order
through remodeling of the Main Hall and construction of the One Pillar Gate.

It is also leading devotional practices, religious and public welfare activities.

The Main Hall is opened 24 hours a day to all public allowing visits of both local and
foreigners. It is promoting itself as a open space, inviting all to the temple's events
and ceremonies.

Historic Cultural Memorial
Center of Korea Buddhism and Joyge Order

Korean Jogye Order is representative order of traditional Korean Buddishm with
1700 years of history. Jogye Order is based on the teaching of Surkgahmohnee
Buddha and follows the Order's doctrine of 'Directly pointing at one's mind, and to
see one's own nature and accomplish buddhahood, to lead buddhist youth into
religious activities.

The Order relies on Diamond Sutra as the guiding text and through Dharma talks,
textual study, chanting and devotional practices are integrated into the program.

Its special Kanhwa Zen Program is earning worldwide interest. Administrative
Headquarters of the Jogye Order of the Korean Buddhism has around 3,000
temples nationwide, including three Jewel temples (Tongdosa, Haeinsa, and
Songgwangsa) representing the three jewels of Buddhism.

Also, there are some 15,000 monks and Buddhist nuns focusing on devotional
practices and propagation in respective monasteries.

There is Central Buddhist Museum and auditorium in the Historic Cultural Memorial
Center of Korea Buddhism within the complex of Jogyesa temple.

Administrative Headquarters of Jogyesa Order, Training Center, Propagation Center
and Central Council of Jogye Order are doing business within the temple complex.