Governor Kim Youngrok Attends Funeral Service for Mandang of Chwiamdang at Bulgapsa Temple in Yeonggwang

Condolences for the Bodhisattva Deeds
That Paved the Way for Korean Buddhism to Reach the Public and the World

Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Youngrok is attending the funeral service of Mandang, a monk of Chwiamdang at Bulgapsa Temple in Yeonggwang on the morning of the 7th and delivering a eulogy. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Youngrok attended the funeral service for Mandang, a monk of Chwiamdang, held at Bulgapsa Temple in Yeonggwang on the 7th, expressing his deep condolences while honoring the life and achievements of the deceased.

The funeral service was presided over by the President of the Central Council of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Over 500 people, including Jinwoo, President of the Jogye Order, Jugyeong, President of the Central Council, Mugong, Chief Monk of Baekyangsa Temple, members of the National Assembly, heads of local governments, Buddhist figures, and local residents, attended the ceremony.

Mandang (born in Gurye in 1964) made significant contributions to the spread of Buddhist culture as the chief monk of Bulgapsa Temple from 2001 to 2025. He led the reconstruction of Bulgapsa Temple to restore its status as a thousand-year-old temple, created the renowned cluster of red spider lilies, a representative attraction of Yeonggwang, and developed the Sangsa Flower Festival into a nationwide event.

He took the lead in connecting the general public and people from around the world with Buddhism through templestay programs and the promotion of temple cuisine. As the head of the Buddhist Cultural Project Group, he played a major role in popularizing Korean Buddhism and promoting Buddhist culture.

In his eulogy, Governor Kim Youngrok said, "The life of Mandang was a tireless devotion, like an undying lamp, and an act of a bodhisattva for all beings. He established Bulgapsa Temple as a national sacred site and paved the way for Korean Buddhism to reach the public and the world." He added, "We will cherish his aspiration to build a nine-story wooden pagoda, which has not yet been fulfilled, and Jeollanam-do will further enhance the Buddhist cultural sacred site that he cultivated."