By Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon-young

President Yoon Suk-yeol visited Beomeosa Temple in Geumjeong-gu, Busan on Oct. 22, 2024. Beomeosa Temple is said to be one of the three major temples in Yeongnam, along with Hapcheon Haeinsa Temple and Yangsan Tongdosa Temple, and is a Korean popular temple that has nurtured many highly virtuous monks, including Euisangdaesa, Wonhyodaesa, and Manhae Han Yong-woon. 

It served the country as a field hospital during the Korean War and was designated as a national memorial facility in 2023 along with Tongdosa Temple. This is only the second time a sitting president has visited Beomeosa Temple since President Syngman Rhee.

Upon arriving at Beomeosa Temple, the President exchanged greetings with the temple officials and worshippers, including Ven. Jeong Oh. The President then proceeded to Daeungjeon Hall, where he was guided by the monk Jeong Oh for an explanation of Beomeosa Temple.

Upon entering Daeungjeon, the president made offerings to the incense burners and made prostrations to the Buddha. “I was stationed in Busan 20 years ago, and even after I left, I hiked Geumjeongsan Mountain and visited here many times,” he said, adding, ”It's nice to see the Buddha on a rainy day.”

Ven. Monk Jeong Oh said, “We decorated both sides of the entrance to Daeungjeon Hall with chrysanthemums because the president is coming.” 

The president replied, “Thank you.” The president then picked up an umbrella and put it on the monk's head as they walked to the senior monk's office.

Once in the main hall, the president had tea and conversation with the abbot and other temple officials. When the abbot said to the president, “Thank you for coming from so far away and we are honored,” the president replied, “I have come too late.”

“You have given hope to many people by saying that you are loyal to the people, not to person, and by becoming the president through hardships,” said Ven. Jeong Oh. He also said, “It is unfortunate that you are facing difficulties in running the country's affairs due to the excessive use of national finances during the corona crisis.”

“I am grateful to you for your unwavering spirit in the face of difficult circumstances,” he said.