Gapsa Temple in Gyeryongsan Mountain
Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do, was the capital of Baekje. Like Gyeongju, the capital of Silla, it has many remains of the period of the Three States. But it is regretful that finding and exploitating of cultural treasure is slighter than Gyeongju.
Gapsa temple in Gyeryongsan mountain has a number of treasures and cultural assets such as Samsin Hanging Painting, which was drawn in unified Silla period, and Iron Flagpole pillar, Gapsa stupa, Gapsa bronze bell, Worinseokppo wood block and Sakyamuni Buddhas of Three Ages.
You can see many mountain climbers at the entrance. The path toward Gapsa overlaps with trail. So you can see Gapsa in the middle of climbing, and small Buddhist temple on the upside of trail.
The road toward Gapsa is beautifully decorated. Buddhist temples do not damage the environment, and match up with it. Gapsa is not huge, but simple and not artificial.
The gate of the Four Devas protects Buddha, Buddhist doctrines, monk and Buddhist. Even if you pass the gate, you should walk for a long time. The road is not big and splendid, but good to walk and peaceful. I recommend it as hiking path in fall.
Here is the entrance. The gateway piled up with stones is pretty and cozy. This tells the history and atmosphere of Gapsa. You should make a reservation if you want to participate in temple stay. Most foreigners come with interpreters.
This is the whole view of the main temple. The top of the left side is now under reconstruction. Since it is Sunday, a monk preaches Buddhist teachings. I wanted to take a photograph, but gave up because it might be rude. :-)
This is Jinhaedang, the accommodation for monks. It is located at the opposite side of the main temple.
This is moktak which has been used by a monk for a long time. It may signify that here is a temple. Korean Buddhism has a distinctive feature on its own.
Like Golgulsa temple, Gapsa operates both rest style temple stay and experiential style temple stay. Rest style is run at ordinary times, and experiential style is run only on weekends. You can make a reservation on website below. It is sorry that it does not provide foreign language service.
gapsa homepage
Contact information: 041-857-8921
Jungjang-ri 52, Gyeryong-myeon, Gonju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Fall Special #1 - What to see?
Fall Special #3 - Temple Stay:Golgulsa Temple in Gyeongju
Temple Stay #4 - Temple Stay:Gapsa in Gyeryongsan Mountain
