Guinsa is the administrative center of over sub-temples and hermitages of the Cheontae sect. Although the architecture of Guinsa follows that of many other Buddhist temples in Korea , it is also markedly different in that the structures are several stories tall, instead of the typical one or two stories that structures in many other Korean temples have.
This may be due to the restraints of the valley in which it is located and to modern construction techniques, but it creates a visual experience that is both beautiful and unique from what one sees at other temples. Up to 10, monks can live here at any one point while the kitchen can serve food for twice that number when needed. As with many Korean temples, free simple vegetarian meals are served for all visitors in Guinsa at setting time about for breakfast, for lunch, for dinner , no matter your race or religion.
The ubiquitous black slate roof tiles found commonly on Korean temples is occasionally replaced by orange glazed tiles reminding one of those seen on the roofs of Beijing's Forbidden City. Some buildings resemble the Potala Palace in Lhasa with their use of height and vertical lines. Guinsa operates Geumgang University between Nonsan and Daejeon. The 2 days Temple Stay Program, twice a month, includes getting up at 3am for the morning ceremony, can be booked via internet or phone.
Unlike many of Korea's temples, Guinsa is fairly new, dating only back to The original temple was burned down during the Korean War, but the reconstruction of the first building was completed in and the complex, which now incorporates over 50 buildings, is still expanding.
In the Cheontae school is reestablished at Guinsa and registered with the Korean government as the Cheontae Order. Master Sangwol assumes his position as the First Patriarch of the Order. Early history leading to the establishment of Guinsa: [ 6 ].
