Gyeseungsa Temple (Goseong)

Nestled at the foot of Geumtaesan Mountain in Goseong, the land of dinosaurs, Gyeseungsa Temple holds the mysteries of primordial times and the wonders of rock cliffs. The rocks of Gyeseungsa bear the marks of time as much as the passage of years itself. As if proving that this was the land of dinosaurs 100 million years ago, it leaves behind giant dinosaur footprints. On the massive bedrock, wave-like fossils created by the retreating waves on a sandy beach are simply mysterious. Not only that, but the bizarre rocks surrounding Gyeseungsa like a folding screen have the shape of a turtle's back, and even the traces of ancient raindrops remain—truly, there is no other artwork created by nature itself. The spring water flowing from Yongdubong Peak between the bizarre rocks and cliffs is so clear and pure that a legend tells of how, in ancient times, three doe and two hop of rice offering for the Buddha were poured out daily. It is also said that during the late Goryeo period, Yi Seong-gye came down to the three southern provinces to subdue Japanese pirates and stayed at Gyeseungsa Temple on Geumtaesan Mountain, cultivating his dream of founding the Joseon Dynasty. Thus, after founding Joseon, King Taejo Yi Seong-gye ordered the character 'geum' (gold) to be added to the name of the mountain where he had practiced, which is said to be Geumtaesan Mountain in Goseong and Geumsan Mountain in Namhae. Gyeseungsa Temple, a thousand-year-old Silla temple, carries the ancient rock on its head and quietly continues the flow of history, with its natural forest preserved intact, adding to its solitude. If you wish to escape the bustling city and seek quiet leisure, the sound of monks chanting and the wind chimes from the temple hall on the rock will become good companions.