GAPSA TEMPLE

This temple was founded in 420 by the Ado monk of Goguryeo who traveled to Korea to spread Buddhism. It was rebuilt in 556, and in the 7th century became one of the ten centres of the Hwaeom sect established in Korea by the monk Uisang. Rebuilt in 887, it was destroyed by the Japanese. Rebuilt shortly afterwards in 1604, most of its buildings date from this period. It is home to several unique treasures. The courtyard hall dates back to the middle of Joseon. Daeungjeon Main Hall dates back to 1604. Not far away is the Samseonggak pavilion dedicated to the three shamanic-buddhic deities: the seven stars, the mountain god (Sansin) and the solitary ascetic. There is a three-storey stone pagoda dating back to 1659, where the history of the foundation of the temple is written. A bronze bell dating from 1584 is also preserved. In one of the halls, about 100 xylographic plates dating from 1569 contain two sutras. Below is the Byeochungwon Shrine (1738), where are kept the portraits of three soldier-monks who distinguished themselves in the defence of the country against the Japanese in 1592: Seosan, Sa-myeong, Yeonggyu. In the back of the temple you can see olive-shaped reliquaries of different masters. To the right of the temple, towards the torrent, other structures are also interesting. A nice traditional tea room overlooks the stream. There is also a statue of Yaksa Yeorae, the Medicine Buddha, from Goryeo. You can go into the mountains to the hermitages, the waterfall and Donghaksa. Further down, away, the Daejeokjeon hall is dedicated to Vairocana.

In front, in the clearing, stands a beautifully carved octagonal saribudo. The path leading down from there between the trees leads to another clearing where a pole for the temple flag stands. This iron mast, composed of twenty-four cylinders (originally twenty-eight, but four were destroyed in 1899) dates from Silla (680). It was erected by the monk Uisang and is one of the few such monuments still standing in a temple. Under Silla, all the temples had a similar mast on which flags and banners were hung. Then we go down along the torrent in a pretty valley. We pass in front of a charming minbak which also makes a restaurant, isolated in front of the water. If you want to stay at the temple, this is the place to be. Otherwise, further down in the tourist village, you will find the usual yeogwans and restaurants, not unpleasant otherwise. There is also a campground.