This master’s thesis examines the site selection and spatial organization of Eunha-sa, a Buddhist temple on Mt. Sineo-san in Gimhae, from a geomantic (pungsu-jiri) perspective. The research delves into traditional feng shui principles as applied to ...
This master’s thesis examines the site selection and spatial organization of Eunha-sa, a Buddhist temple on Mt. Sineo-san in Gimhae, from a geomantic (pungsu-jiri) perspective. The research delves into traditional feng shui principles as applied to temple siting – including the analysis of the “dragon” (mountain range), “穴” (hyeol, energy node), surrounding landforms, water flows, orientation, and overall landform configuration of the site. It also explores the historical and cultural context of Eunha-sa, particularly its legendary founding by Monk Jangyu during the Gaya Kingdom era, highlighting how geomantic beliefs intertwine with local Buddhist lore. The study finds that Eunha-sa is located on an auspicious site where the Baekdu-daegan mountain energy culminates at Mt. Sineo-san, forming a natural sweet spot (hyeol)for the temple. The temple is backed by the main peak of Mt. Sineo-san and enclosed by rocky ridges like a protective screen, fulfilling the classic feng shui criteria of beneficial landforms(Four Guardian Mountains). A confluence of small streams gathers in front of the temple, then gently flows westward, indicating favorable water accumulation and dispersal, which symbolizes prosperity. Notably, the main hall of Eunha-sa faces west, an unusual orientation in Korean temples; this is traditionally interpreted as reflecting the founder’s spiritual gaze towards the West (India), integrating geomancy with the temple’s origin narrative. The temple’s surrounding crags are poetically likened to natural Arhats (enlightened beings) encircling the site, reinforcing its image as a sacred place where nature and spirituality converge. By comparing Eunha-sa’s site with those of other well-known temples – such as Pagyesa of Palgongsan, Silleuk-sa of Yeoju, Beomeo-sa of Geumjeongsan, and Magok-sa – the research underscores both common geomantic patterns in Korean mountain temples and Eunha-sa’s unique features. Like many traditional temples, Eunha-sa exemplifies the baesanimsuideal (backed by mountains, facing water) and lies in a tranquil valley with balanced landforms. However, unlike Silleuk-sa (a riverside temple requiring extensive man-made geomantic corrections, Eunha-sa’s site needed minimal intervention, as the natural configuration provides good wind protection and water gathering. Eunha-sa’s orientation and legendary associations also set it apart, illustrating how geomancy was sometimes adapted to incorporate local beliefs and historical symbolism. In conclusion, the thesis argues that Eunha-sa’s enduring presence and spiritual significance owe much to its geomantic advantages. The site’s natural energy harmony not only fostered a conducive environment for monastic practice but also allowed the temple’s legend (tying Korean Buddhism to an earlier Gaya Kingdom narrative) to flourish. This case study of Eunha-sa demonstrates the critical role of feng shui in traditional temple establishment and how geomantic landscapes were culturally contextualizedin Korea. It contributes to a deeper understanding of the interplay between geography, architecture, and mythology in the formation of sacred spaces.