Maneosa Temple

Located on the 8th ridge of Mt. Maneosan (674m above sea level), Maneosa Temple is a traditional temple that supports the theory of the southern introduction of ancient Buddhism to Korea, with records in the Samguk Yusa stating that it was founded by King Suro of Geumgwan Gaya. It holds many legends and mysterious phenomena. This site was used for rain rituals during prolonged droughts and was said to be efficacious. According to the Sejong Sillok Jiriji, it was passed down as a place where Silla kings offered tribute to the Buddha.

According to the Samguk Yusa, it was first built in the 10th year of King Myeongjong of Goryeo (1180), and a three-story stone pagoda was erected. The Samguk Yusa Tap Sangpyeon contains records related to the founding of Maneosa Temple. In a pond called Okji in the Yangsan area, a single dragon and five evil spirits consorted together, destroying the crops that farmers had painstakingly cultivated and causing all sorts of mischief. King Suro tried to eliminate them with sorcery but failed, so he requested the Buddha's teachings and made them receive the Five Precepts. At that time, countless fish and dragons from the East Sea were moved by the Dharma and gathered in this mountain, turning into stones, which produced mysterious sounds of gyeong (stone chimes). King Suro founded the temple to commemorate this, naming it Maneosa Temple, meaning 'temple of the fish that turned to stone under the influence of the Dharma.' Even today, striking the stones in front of Maneosa Temple produces a clear sound, so they are called Jongseok (bell stones) and are designated as Gyeongsangnam-do Monument.