Gapsa (Gap Temple)

Established in A.D. 420 by Monk Adohwasang, who is credited with having brought Buddhism to the Shilla Kingdom, Gapsa is said to be one of the oldest temples in the country. Although the oldest of its current buildings dates to 1604, there is much to see here, and the place is famous for the numerous cultural treasures it houses. The road from the parking lot to the temple passes through the small but scenic Ori Forest. When you first enter the temple site, you'll see a lecture hall with large words GYERYONG GAPSA written in blue. To the right of that hall is the Dongjonggak (where the site's copper bell, cast in A.D. 584, is housed). To the left stand the Pyochungwon and the Palsangjeon buildings. The Pyochungwon was created to honor high priests and monk warriors Yeong-Gyu, Sa-Myeong, and Seosan. The Palsangjeon is where the Palsangdo (a visual depiction of the life of Buddha) is preserved. If you follow the road past the temple, you will find the trail to Gyeryongsan (Mt. Gyeryong). There is a lovely little teahouse nearby and a small valley. Originally there were 28 cheoltong (iron flagpoles) along this path, but 4 of them broke during the reign of King Go-Jong. The area is especially beautiful in the fall.