Sammaksa Temple

Sammaksa Temple is a Buddhist temple that originated when Great Master Wonhyo, Great Master Uisang, and Layman Yunpil built hermitages and practiced asceticism during the reign of King Munmu of the Silla Dynasty. According to records, Great Master Wonhyo founded the temple, and at the end of the Silla Dynasty, National Master Doseon rebuilt it and called it Gwaneumsa Temple. Later, during the Goryeo Dynasty, King Taejo renovated it and renamed it Sammaksa Temple. Sammaksa Temple is a historic temple housing the most national heritage items, including the Three-Story Stone Pagoda of Sammaksa Temple from the Goryeo Dynasty, the Rock-Carved Triad Buddha of Sammaksa Temple from the Joseon Dynasty, and the Historical Monument of Sammaksa Temple. Among these, the most visited attraction is the 'Namnyeongeunseok' (Male and Female Genital Rocks), two naturally formed rocks. These weathered rocks, named for their resemblance to male and female genitalia, are said to bring fertility, prosperity, freedom from disease, and longevity when touched. The power of oral tradition is surprisingly strong, making visitors eager to find and touch them. The area around Sammaksa Temple offers many excellent courses for hiking as well as cycling. The Sammaksa Temple Valley is widely known as a popular summer water play spot.

(Source: Anyang City Culture and Tourism Website)