Jeokmyeolbogung Hall, Jungdae Terrace in Odaesan Mountain, Pyeongchang

Jeokmyeol literally translates to "transcendent state with light blown out," symbolizing a liberating transition into nirvana. It represents a spiritual stage free from all kinds of agony with the extinction of Tam-Jin-Chi Sam-dok(the three poisons of greed, anger, and illusion). Jeokmyeolbogung is a sacred site built to preserve the sarira collected after the Parinirvana[1] of Buddha.

The Jeokmyeolbogung situated on Jungdae Peak of Odaesan Mountain comprises a Buddhist sanctuary and a low burial mound behind it. The mound is believed to enshrine genuine sarira, considered a crystallization of asceticcism and enlightenment, from the crown bones of Shakyamunl Buddha (BC 624~BC 544). The Buddhist sanctuary is dedicated to suheechantan[2] for the Buddha images inside the temple.

Jajang (590-658), a Buddhist monk of the kingdom of Silla, brought Buddha's sarira and Kasaya from the Tang dynasty of China and enshrined them in various places.

The jeokmyeolbogung of Odaesan is among these sites, recognied as one of the five major jeokmyeolbogungs in Korea along with Tongdosa of Yeongchuksan Mountain, Beopheungsa of sajasan Mountain, Jeongamsa of Taebaeksan Mountain. and Bongjeongam of seoraksan Mountain.

Apart from its historical significance in Korean Buddhism, Odaesan’s jeokmyeolbogung holds unique architectural value due to its exeptional dual structure of inner and outer houses, known as the Deotjip extension. Thisl distinct characteristic appears to have been added later not only to protect the inner house but also to create a suitable environment for ascetic practices during excreme cold. The differences in architectural styles over time are evident in features such as the modillions on column heads (to support the eaves) and the method of erecting columns.

The inner house exhibits he architectural style and techniques of early Joseon (14-15C), while the outer house displays those of late Joseon (19C). Specifically, the inner house preserves the wooden architectural style from early Joseon in terms of structure and ornamentation,which holds significant importance in the history of architectural styles. This includes Gosik Dancheong, the Dapo style for pilling up modillions between columns, and entasis to impart a convex curve to the middle part of a column.

A small monument stands symbolically behind the Jeokmyeolbogung building. Noteworthy for its unconventional design, it features a pagoda shape carved into the front face of the monument and Yoga-shimin-do[4] into the rear face. It is speculated that this monument was erected in later years as a marker indicating that Jajang enshrined the sarira of Buddha at this location.

[1] Parinirvana, also referred to as Gugyeong Nirvana, is the serene stage devoid of life and death, indicating the attainment of complete and perfect nirvana. It marks the cessation of further reincarnations between life and death, in the tranquil realm of Jeokmyeol.

[2] Suheechantan refers to experiencing joy and admiration, or maintaining such a mindset, when witnessing others perform kind deeds or cultivate virtues.

[3] Yegyeong is a fundamental religious rite in Buddhism, during which practitioners pay homage to the Three Jewels of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.

[4] Yoga-shimin-do is a mandala of Esoteric Buddhism that portrays the highest moment of enlightenment as emptiness.

Source: Korea Heritage Service signboard ↗ · collected 2026-10-08