Sanbang Gul

Sanbanggul Buddhist Grotto - Sanbang Cave Temple

Useful Information

Location:	Namjeju-Gun
Open:
Fee:
Classification:
Light:	Incandescent
Dimension:	H=5 m.
Guided tours:
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address:	Sanbang Cave Temple, 181-1 Sagye-Ri, Andeok-Myeon, Nam-Gun, Tel: +82-64-794-2940.
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History

2007	inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Description

Sanbang Gul (aka Sanbanggulsa) is a buddhist temple, a huge chamber with an enormous portal containing a huge buddha statue. It is located halfway up the steep slopes of Mt. Sanbangsan on the southwest coast. The view from the cave over the coastal fields and offshore waters is spectacular. It is possible to see the Marado Island and the Dragon Head Coast.

The monk Hye-Il (964-1053) lived in this cave during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). There are small ponds inside the cave, which formed from water drops falling from the ceiling. The cave contains a huge Buddha statue.

In front of Sanbang Cave on the Yongmeori Coast the Hendrick Hamel Monument was erected. The Dutch sailor Handrik Hamel was shipwrecked on this island with his 64 shipmates in 1653. The monument is where he came ashore. He spent thirteen years in Korea and then returned to the Netherlands. His merit is, that he was the first westerner to write a record of his travels in Korea.