The Legend of Guryongsa


“Long long ago, about 1,300 years ago, Great Master Uisang, who had been practicing at famous sites throughout the country, arrived at Chiaksan Mountain…”

“Hmm…this is quite the spot! With Birobong Peak to the east, and Cheonjibong Peak in front, this would be the ideal location for a temple!”

“However, there was a deep pond at the location which was home to nine dragons. Great Master Uisang couldn’t just kick the dragons out so he pondered how to solve the situation, thinking, ‘What can be done?’ Suddenly...

“Upon hearing Great Master Uisang’s contemplation, the nine dragons caused a torrent of rain to fall from the sky, covering the mountain with water. They proposed to Great Master Uisang that if he could survive the rain, they would leave the mountain.”

“Suddenly, the pond dried up and the nine dragons began to flee. One of the dragons became blind, while those remaining cut the mountain in front into eight pieces before vanishing.”

“After the nine dragons disappeared, Great Master Uisang again filled the pond and proceeded to found his temple. To reflect the story of its founding, Great Master Uisang named the temple Guryongsa.”

”Following this, to incorporate the linage of the nearby turtle rock, the character ‘gu’ meaning nine was changed to the character ‘gu’ meaning turtle, and the name Guryongsa came to be finalized.”