Weontongmun of Guryongsa


“On the way to Guryongsa, one passes a trail called Gold Pine Tree Road. When walking down Golden Pine Tree Road, the first gate of Weontongmun comes into view high in the sky.”

“The Iljumn, or One Pillar Gate, which symbolizes one mind, is most often found at the entrance of a temple. It suggests the teaching that before entering a sacred temple, all the afflictions or defilements of the mundane world should be washed away and one should step into the world of wisdom with one mind.”

“However, the Iljumn of Guryongsa was constructed atypically on stone pillars so that it is called Weontongmun. This implies that, like a cylinder, it is the gate that effortlessly leads to the wise teaching of the compassionate Buddha.”


“The reason why the name Weontongmun was used in Guryongsa is because it advocates the Gwaneum Belief, additionally, Gwanseumbosal, or Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, who washes away the afflictions of sentient beings, is enshrined within the temple. Moreover, the name Weontong suggests that nothing is obstructive, while also referring to the awakening of wisdom.”

“Carved upon the pillars of Weontongmun of Guryongsa are the words, ‘Yeokcheongeob ibulgo, hangmanse ijanggeum.’ This declares that the message won’t fade even after a thousand eons, and in ten thousand years, the temple will remain as it is today.”

“As I stand here before Weontongmun, I feel as if I am absorbing the well-rounded wisdom of the Buddha, though without hearing any spoken message.”