As you continue your walk up to the temple, you will pass through several gates.
The first gate you come across is the Iljumun. This gate is named for its pillars, which from certain angles appear to form a single pillar—hence the name Iljumun, meaning “One Pillar Gate.”
The Iljumun symbolizes the boundary between the secular world and the realm of the Buddha.
It serves as a reminder that, before entering the Buddha’s realm, one should clear their mind of worldly distractions and focus on the path to enlightenment.

 

Translated by: Jenny
Recorded by: Irine