Haeinsa Temple and Surroundings in Gayasan Mountain

Gayasan Mountain, on which Haeinsa Temple stands, rises 1,430 metres above sea level and is a sacred mountain, celebrated as one of Korea's Eight Scenic Wonders for its towering, extraordinary form. Its rocks and water and its red pine forests offer natural scenery rarely matched at other temples or famous mountains. Haeinsa Temple stands on the south-western foot of Gayasan Mountain. It is said to have been founded in 802, the third year of King Aejang of Silla, by the two great monks Suneung and Ijeong, who had returned from study in Tang China. Between the reigns of King Sukjong and Emperor Gojong of Joseon, fires broke out seven times over some two hundred years, destroying most of the buildings, so most of the present structures date from the late Joseon period. The temple today houses the Goryeo Daejanggyeongpan (National Treasure), better known as the Tripitaka Koreana, a set of woodblocks embodying the wish to protect the nation and bring peace to its people, completed over fifteen years from 1236 to 1251 under King Gojong of Goryeo. The temple also holds the Janggyeongpanjeon Depositories, which house the woodblocks (National Treasure), the Stele for State Preceptor Wongyeong at the Site of Banyasa Temple (Treasure), a Stone Standing Buddha (Treasure), the Multi-story Stone Pagoda and Stone Lantern at Wondangam Hermitage (Treasure), and the Rock-carved Standing Buddha in Chiin-ri, Hapcheon (Treasure). It is a place where the outstanding natural scenery of Gayasan Mountain and the living breath of history come together in harmony with the rich cultural heritage of the Haeinsa Temple area.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Hapcheon, Gyeongnam

Designation

Scenic Site · 명승