Unmunsa Cloud Gate Temple October 21, 2014

(http://www.unmunsa.or.kr)

Unmunsa is the largest training temple (called, "gangwon") for nuns in Korea and was established in 560 AD. In 1250, Master Iryon came to the temple to be abbot. Iryon was an eclectic thinker that did much to unify Buddhism on the peninsula, which had been divided into factional fighting between Zen and doctrinal schools. He advised his students to, "read the sutras by day and to meditate by night." His most lasting contribution was the "Samguk Yusa" (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms). This book is the largest collection of legends, folktales and historical accounts from early Korean history and has inspired the works of Korean historians, writers, poets and dramatists for centuries.

Today, Unmunsa trains novice nuns in Sutras and Vinaya. Above the training temple is "Munsu Seon Won," a meditation hall for nuns and "Sari Am," a hermitage popular for its year-round kido chanting.