Dogapsa Temple

Founded by National Preceptor Doseon in the late Silla period, and rebuilt by Sumi in the 2nd year of King Sejo's reign (1456) of the early Joseon period. About 100 meters past the Iljumun Gate of Dogapsa Temple, you will find the National Treasure Haetalmun Gate. This old building, constructed in the 4th year of King Seongjong's reign (1473) of Joseon, has a very unique architectural style. In the left and right front sections of Haetalmun Gate are statues of Vajrapani, and in the next sections are the Treasure statues of Manjushri and Samantabhadra. Within the temple grounds, there are Daeungjeon Hall, a five-story stone pagoda, and the Stele of Monk Sumi. About 100 meters above the temple, at Mireukjeon Hall, there is a Treasure stone seated Buddha statue. It is recorded that this place was rebuilt by two royal monks, Shinmi and Sumi, in the 3rd year of King Sejo's reign (1473), with a total scale of 966 kan (a unit of building space) and 12 affiliated hermitages, and the number of resident monks once reached 730. However, many buildings were burned down during the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin Waeran) and the Korean War (6.25 War). Even now, on the empty site of about 1,000 pyeong behind Daeungjeon Hall, foundation stones are clearly embedded here and there, and in the front yard, a stone water container about 5 meters tall, used by monks for drinking water, hints at the past size and number of monks of Dogapsa Temple. If you drive about 8 km from Yeongam-eup toward Mokpo, you will reach Gurim Sageori. Turn left, pass through Gunseo Market, and go up about 4 km to reach the cherry blossom path leading to Dogapsa Temple. When cherry blossoms bloom or autumn leaves turn, it harmonizes with the peaks of Wolchulsan Mountain and is very beautiful. Also, the Gurimcheon Stream valley along the road is a popular summer resort. In particular, on the right side of the road, halfway up Jujibong Peak, there is Munsanjae, where it is said that Dr. Wangin of Baekje studied. Nearby attractions include Muwisa Temple, Wolchulsan Mountain, Seonggidong National Tourist Site, and the Historic Site of Dr. Wangin. Address: 306, Dogapsa-ro, Gunseo-myeon, Yeongam-gun, Gwangju Metropolitan City, Jeollanam-do