Chim Ae, an orphan, is saved by an old monk of Seo San Temple, Mu Bul Dang, while he is wandering in war fires. Then he enters the priesthood and trains himself a mountaineering asceticism. When he becomes an eminent young priest, the last trial to receive the mantle of the preceding abbot applies to him.
The old monk sends the fairest of the fair, Myo Hyang of cottage Ni Am, toChim Ae to form a connection with her. But Chim Ae quickly removes his earthly desires towards women and goes through this hardship by fasting meditation. However, the old monk recognizes that love sprouted between the two youngsters and shows Chim Ae the face of transgression, which he mentally violated without hesitation, to make Chim Ae and Myo Hyang go back to a mundane existence.
(Source: Korean Film Archive, IMDB)
~~ Adapted from the novel by Go Eun.
