Gapsa Temple of Gyerongsan Mountain

Gyeryongsan Mountain, named for its ridges that resemble a dragon wearing a rooster’s comb, stretches from Cheonhwangbong Peak, its main peak, to Yeoncheonbong Peak and Sambulbong Peak. Renowned since ancient times as a place of positive energy, Gyeryongsan Mountain is home to historic temples such as Donghaksa Temple and Gapsa Temple.

Among the temples located within Gyeryongsan National Park, Gapsa Temple sits in the northwestern part of the mountain. Built in the year 420 by the Goguryeo monk Adohwasang, it is a temple that holds great historical significance.

There is an old saying, "Chun Magok Chu Gapsa." which uses the Chinese characters for spring (春) and autumn (秋) to mean that Magoksa Temple is best visited in spring, while Gapsa Temple is most the beautiful in fall. Just like the saying, if you visit Gapsa Temple in the fall, the entire landscape is painted red with fall foliage, creating a breathtaking view. Even when it isn’t fall, the lush forest surrounding Gapsa Temple is so serene and beautiful that it leaves visitors in awe.

With its long history, Gapsa Temple is home to a variety of cultural heritage treasures. From Stupa of Gapsa Temple, designated as a national treasure, to the Printing Woodblocks of Worin seokbo and the Daeungjeon Hall, there are numerous relics, making it an excellent destination for exploring and learning about history.

Among the many relics at Gapsa Temple, one must-see is the flagpole named "Dangganjiju". This Buddhist relic, typically found at larger temples, is a type of flagpole support used to hold flags during major temple events, guiding visitors to the temple. Only three iron dangganjijus remain in Korea, one at Chiljangsa Temple in Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do; one at Yongdusa Temple Site in Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do; and one at Gapsa Temple in Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do. This weekend, why don't you come and experience the essence of Buddhism at the beautiful Gapsa Temple?