Introduction

“After passing through Odaesan Mountain, the backbone of the Baekdudaegan Mountain Range, to Taegisan in the west, and on to Chiaksan, a millennial temple called Guryongsa can be found. Since its foundation, the temple has served as a temporary residence to many great monks, such as, Doseon, Muhak and Hyojeong, and it came to be known as the most preeminent temple in the region of Yeongseo.”

“Perfectly positioned from a geological sense—as if a mystical turtle was spitting out a lotus flower, while nine sea dragons hang in the air like clouds—Guryongsa is known as the most ideally located temple, and as its name implies, as a residence for these mystical animals.”

“The primary reason for its fame, however, comes from the many respected monks who have cultivated their minds in this very temple for over a thousand years.”


“Guryongsa was founded by Great Master Uisang in 668, the 8th year of King Munm, the 30th ruler of the Silla Kingdom. In the late Silla and early Goyeo period, National Teacher Doseon proclaimed the concept of ‘Bibosachal,’ stating that founding a temple on a famous mountain could help the fate of the nation. Guryongsa is one of the temples founded for that purpose.”

“As it took an exceedingly long time for the Geumgang pine trees to grow high into the air, Guryongsa is surrounded by an ancient mystical legend.”

“Located within Chiaksa National Park in Wonju City, Gangwon-do Province, the traditional temple Guryojgsa is subject to an endless stream of prayers from both monks and devotees.”