Gakyeonsa Temple (Goesan)

During the reign of King Beopheung of Silla, Master Yuil attempted to build a temple near the present-day Ssanggok-ri, Chilseong-myeon, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do. While he was working on trimming the timber, a flock of crows flew in, picked up wood shavings and debris, and disappeared somewhere without rest. Master Yuil found this strange and followed the crows. At the site of the current Gakyeonsa Temple, wood shavings were found in a pond. Looking into the pond, he saw a stone Buddha statue, from which light radiated. Upon seeing the Buddha, Master Yuil attained great enlightenment, filled the pond, and built a temple on that spot. The temple was named Gakyeonsa, using the characters for 'enlightenment' (覺) and 'pond' (淵), because he gained enlightenment from the stone Buddha in the pond. The surrounding area is encircled by towering mountains that resemble blooming lotus flowers. Gakyeonsa Temple houses many cultural properties, including the Stupa of Master Tongil, the Stele of Master Tongil, the Stone Seated Vairocana Buddha, Birojeon Hall, Daeungjeon Hall, and the Reliquary Stupa of Master Tongil. Nearby, there are many places to explore, such as Sanmak Old Road, Gallon Valley, and Ssanggok Valley.