Beomil Guksa was a Seon Buddhist monk born in Gangneung in 811 who founded Sagulsan School, one of the Nine Mountain Schools of Seon that flourished during the late Silla period.
He spent more than four decades at Gulsan Temple, spreading Buddhist teachings and living alongside the local community.
He is now venerated as Daegwallyeong Guksa Seonghwang, the patron deity of the Gangneung Danoje festival, and stands as a symbol of the city's history and spiritual culture.
A traditional tea ceremony marking the 1,200th anniversary of his birth will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Beomil Guksajeon Hall in Gujeong-myeon, organized by the Beomil Guksa Promotion Committee, with about 300 worshippers and residents in attendance.
The event will open with an unveiling ceremony for the hall's signboard, followed by traditional Buddhist rites including the Yukbeop Gongyang offering and a tea ceremony, along with a presentation on his life and a commemorative performance.
The 1,200th birth anniversary program will continue with five events in total: an academic concert on Nov. 17, a cultural camp Nov. 21-22, and a talk concert and original performance on Dec. 17.
"Beomil Guksa is a figure deeply rooted in Gangneung's history and spiritual culture," Gangneung Mayor Kim Jung-nam said. "Through this ceremony, we will work to raise awareness of his historical significance and carry forward the city's precious cultural heritage."
abc@heraldcorp.com
