On the 22nd, President Yoon Suk Yeol visited Beomeosa Temple in Geumjeong-gu, Busan, where after a tea ceremony, he received a scroll with “Mugu-Muae” (meaning “Pure and Unhindered”) written by Chief Monk Jung O and took a commemorative photo. From left to right in the photo are Abbot Jeong-yeo, President Yoon, and Chief Monk Jung O, according to Yonhap News.
On the same day, President Yoon stated, “There are many difficult situations, but I will accept it as karma and continue even if stones are hurled at me.” This was interpreted as emphasizing his intent to persist on his chosen path, rejecting all three demands proposed by People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon to resolve issues concerning the First Lady, Kim Keon-hee.
Visiting Beomeosa in Geumjeong-gu, President Yoon met with temple officials and said he would work for the country and the people without hesitation, as conveyed by Presidential Office spokesperson Jeong Hye-jeon in a written briefing. In response, Abbot Jeong-yeo praised President Yoon’s steadfastness amidst challenges.
President Yoon’s visit marks him as the second sitting president to visit Beomeosa, following President Rhee Syngman. The temple’s location in Geumjeong-gu was a competitive battleground in the local by-elections on the 16th, with Han visiting six times, leading to a victory for the People Power Party. The pro-Han faction attributes the win to Han’s reform efforts despite the “Kim Keon-hee risk,” whereas the pro-Yoon faction views it as a predictable victory.
After receiving the “Mugu-Muae” scroll written by Chief Monk Jung O, President Yoon expressed gratitude for Beomeosa’s teachings, which he said helped guide the country on the right path. Beomeosa is one of the three major temples in the Yeongnam region, alongside Haeinsa in Hapcheon-gun and Tongdosa in Yangsan. Notably, it served as a field hospital during the Korean War and was designated as a national historic site in 2023 along with Tongdosa. In response to President Yoon’s remarks, Abbot Jeong-yeo expressed appreciation for President Yoon’s resilience in tough circumstances.
President Yoon also mentioned the late monk Ja-seung, who passed away in November of last year, saying, “He often called to give me courage, and his passing was a significant shock.” In response, Jeong-yeo recalled Monk Dong-san’s teaching of “Endurance, Patience, and Waiting,” gifting Yoon with a plaque inscribed with “Gamindae” (to endure and overcome with wisdom during challenging times).