He is credited with founding the temple of Tongdosa in 646 CE, near in what is now Busan, South Korea, and played a significant role in the adoption of Buddhism as the national religion of Silla.

His biography is told in the anthology of Korean Buddhism: "Jogye Culture Web", Vol 10.

[1][2] Gyeyul (Korean: 계율종; Hanja: 戒律宗; RR: Gyeyuljong and Yul jong 律宗, or Vinaya in Sanskrit) monastic order, founded by Gyeomik for the study and implementation of śīla (yuljang 律藏) the "moral discipline" or ""Budhhist ethics"), was lost after the decline of Baekje.

Jajang repeatedly refused these requests, so finally the exasperated King issued an ultimatum: "If you do not accept this official position I offer, I will have your head severed for disobedience."

Jajang replied, "I would rather die keeping the commandments of Buddha for one day than live for a hundred years while breaking them."