Gangcheonsa Temple (Sunchang)

Located 1.8km from the entrance of Gangcheonsa County Park, Gangcheonsa Temple was founded by National Preceptor Doseon in the first year of Queen Jinseong of Silla (887 AD). It later flourished, and in the third year of King Chungsuk of Goryeo (1316), Seon Master Deokhyeon renovated the temple and erected a five-story stone pagoda. It is said that at one time, 12 hermitages and over 1,000 monks resided here. However, during the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin War), everything except the stone pagoda was destroyed. In the 37th year of King Seonjo (1604), Master Soyo rebuilt it, but it was again destroyed during the Korean War, and was restored to its original state in 1959. Cultural properties include Chungsin-ri and Namgye-ri, stonejangseung (guardian posts), Sunchang Gaeksa (guesthouse), and the three-story stone pagoda in Sunhwa-ri. Nearby tourist attractions include Geumseongsanseong Fortress, Yongso Falls, Gangcheonho Lake, Damyangho Lake, Chuwolsan Mountain, Huimunsan Mountain, and Naejangsan National Park.<br>