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Goesan Travel

Must-Visit Place in Goesan-gun

Gonglimsa Temple in Goesan

Among the various temples representing Chungcheong Province, I visited "Gonglimsa," which can only be appreciated by climbing to the top of a mountain.

Although I sweated a lot because the weather was hotter than expected, I enjoyed the trip thanks to the autumn flowers and the refreshing air blowing from the mountains.

When visiting temples, places with deep history and designated as cultural properties are mostly located deep in the forest. Because these places are difficult for visitors to reach, the old buildings have often remained intact, and you can also enjoy positive energy and fresh air.

Arriving at the entrance of Gonglimsa, the picturesque scenery captivated my eyes as if a masterpiece landscape painting had briefly stepped out.

There were also plenty of spaces where monks could take a break and chant Buddhist scriptures.

Gonglimsa Temple, located below Nakyang Mountain, is an ancient temple founded by Zen Master Jajeong during the reign of King Gyeongmun, the 48th ruler of the Silla Dynasty.

It is said that while Zen Master Jajeong was building a hermitage and practicing asceticism, his Buddhist power and virtue became widely known, and the king appointed him as a state preceptor and requested him to enter the palace. However, he declined, saying that a person who had left the world could not return to it.

The king was moved by the Zen master's virtue and ordered the construction of a temple. Eventually, he named the temple Gonglimsa and bestowed a plaque, thus making his name known to posterity.

Unfortunately, most of the internal buildings were destroyed during the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592, leaving only the main hall (Daeungjeon). Gonglimsa has relics such as stupas, a historical monument, stone artifacts, and a one-pillar gate (Iljumun). Buildings such as the Daeungjeon, Gwaneumjeon, Samseonggak, and Gaminseonwon, which were built during the reconstruction, have been rebuilt and preserved.

I took off my shoes and respectfully entered the Daeungjeon. In the center of the main hall, a pillar was erected to create a Buddhist altar with a size of three sections at the front. The Sakyamuni Triad was enshrined on the altar, and each of their respective Buddhist paintings were hung behind them.

The Gonglimsa historical monument was built during the reign of King Sukjong of the Joseon Dynasty and is located below the eastern hill of the monks' quarters within the temple grounds. The front side contains the origin and history of Gonglimsa, as well as the circumstances of the monument's construction. It also records the names of donors, monks, abbots, and engravers.

What is unique about Gonglimsa Temple in Goesan is that the temple was built while leaving the rocks that existed in nature as much as possible. For this reason, the temple scenery looked different from various angles, and I was able to have time to look back on myself while enjoying the scenery.

Although Gonglimsa has the Buddha in the Daeungjeon, there are also large and small Buddhas in the rocks and narrow spaces. In particular, the culture of making wishes while stacking stone towers feels familiar.

Gonglimsa Temple is evaluated as a valuable resource showing the social aspects and local trends of the mid-Joseon period, and the Manchurian cherry, designated as a natural monument, adds to the mystery. Just as various trees come together to express the magnificent Gonglimsa, the Buddha's grace is generously shared with visitors.

Right next to the Daeungjeon, another Buddha is waiting for sentient beings. Apart from religious meaning, it would be good to visit lightly as a tourist course to understand the history and culture of Goesan.

The picturesque scenery created in front of the temple and the ancient Gonglimsa Temple become one like friends, adding to the atmosphere.

I hope you have a gracious time with your precious people at Gonglimsa Temple in Goesan this autumn.

[How to get there]

Goesan Gonglimsa: 104, Goesan-ro Gonglim-gil, Cheongcheon-myeon, Goesan-gun