Surisa Temple (Gunpo)

Surisa Temple is a branch temple belonging to the second diocese of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, located on the southwestern mid-slope of Mt. Surisan. It is said to have been founded during the reign of King Jinheung of Silla, and was named Surisa because it was considered a sacred place for cultivating faith, leading to the mountain being called Mt. Surisan. Another legend states that during the Joseon Dynasty, a royal prince saw the Buddha while practicing asceticism, so the mountain was called Mt. Surisan or Gyeonbulsan (meaning 'mountain where the Buddha was seen'). Before the Joseon Dynasty, the temple was large enough to have 36 buildings including the main hall (Daeungjeon) and 12 hermitages, but it was destroyed during the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin War). Afterward, it is said that General Gwak Jae-u, a righteous army commander during the war, rebuilt the temple and spent his later years there. Currently, the temple features the main hall (Daeungjeon) as its center, along with halls such as Sansingak (Mountain Spirit Hall), Nahanjeon (Arhat Hall), and Yongsingak (Dragon Spirit Hall), as well as two stone lanterns. The temple thrives with many devotees and hikers visiting. The single road leading to the entrance of Surisa Temple is surrounded by dense forests and a valley, offering excellent scenery, and Mt. Surisan, which encircles the temple, gives the impression of a folding screen. Address: 347-181 Sokdal-ro, Gunpo-si, Gyeonggi-do (Sokdal-dong)