Buseoksa Temple Head Monk Geumil Daejongsa Passes Away

Geumil Daejongsa, the respected head monk of Buseoksa Temple in Yeongju, has passed away. He died at the age of 86, with 66 years of monastic service.

Daejongsa passed away on July 11 at approximately 9:19 AM in a Yeongju hospital. He reportedly collapsed while waiting for medical treatment and did not regain consciousness, according to the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.

Born in Jindo, Jeollanam-do, Daejongsa began his monastic life at Eunhaesa Temple in Yeongcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do. He received his novice ordination in 1961 and full ordination at Haeinsa Temple in 1967. He served as the head monk of Gounsa Temple, the main temple of the Jogye Order's 16th district, from 1980 to 1992.

Following his tenure at Gounsa, Daejongsa took on the role of head monk at Buseoksa Temple in 1992, a position he held until his passing. He also served as the chairman of Neungin Middle and High Schools in Daegu from 2000 to 2002.

The funeral rites and cremation ceremony for Geumil Daejongsa are scheduled to take place on July 15 at 10 AM at Gounsa Temple, conducted under the auspices of the Jogye Order's Council of Elders.