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Wonju can be found on the
southwesterly part of Gangwon-do, to the West of Taebaeksan mountain
range. It is rich in cultural attractions especially in the area of
Mt. Chiaksan. Famous are Guryongsa Temple, Cheoneunsa Valley, and Mt.
Chiaksan peaceful forests, which are easily accessible with public
transportation via the Yeongdong and Chungang Expressways.
Recommended Sites
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Mt.Chiaksan National Park
Address :
Gangrim-myeon, Hoengseong, Socho-myeon, Wonju, Gangwon-do
Description :
Mt.Chiaksan
National Park was designated as a national park in December 1984. From
a long time ago, Mt. Chiaksan has been known as a high and steep
mountain in the east, but it has a magnificent view with deep valleys.
Its old name was Mt. Jeokak, but the name was changed after a myth.
Once a man saved a pheasant from being eaten by a snake. When the man
was trapped in danger, that pheasant also saved him from danger and
saved his life. Because of this story the name of this mountain became
Mt. Chiaksan. The temple connected to that story is Sangwonsa Temple.
South of Sangwonsa Temple in Sangwon-gol is the Natural Monument
Seonghwang Forest. To the west are Sejondae, Mangyeongdae and Mun
Stone and Adeul (Son) stone. You can also see fortress walls from the
myth of Jeonransa Temple such as Yeongwon Fortress, Haemi Fortress and
Geumdu Fortress. Near the main peak Birobong is Seokgyeongsa Temple,
where the soul of Ungok Won Cheon-Seok is said to be resting, and
Ipseokdae, Sinseondae, Tejongdae and Nogoso. Behind them you can enjoy
the magnificent landscape of Seryeom Waterfall, Sadari Byeongchang,
Changde Rock and Tugubong Peak. Also on the top of Birobong are the
famous three stone pagodas (10m high). Guryongsa Temple was
established by Monk Uisang (625-702) of the Silla Dynasty (BC 57∼AD
935), during the reign of King Munmu. Other attractions include
Daewungjeon (Local Tangible Cultural Property No.24), Guryong
Waterfall, the Turtle Stone, Tiger Stone and Dragon stone nearby.
There have been many temples on Mt.Chiaksan from a long time ago, but
including Guryongsa Temple there are only 8 temples left today. At
Guryong Valley there is a forest of pine trees that are hundreds of
years old. You can see the Hwangjanggeumpyo left in Hak-gol to
prohibit cutting trees in the woods. The main ridges of Mt.Chiaksan
are steep on the west but the eastern ridge is rather gentle.
Directions :
From Wonju,
take a bus bound for Guryongsa Temple, Sangwonsa Temple (Seongnam-ri),
Yeongwonsa Temple (Geumde-ri), or Gukhyangsa Temple (Henggu-dong).
Information :
Mt.Chiaksan National Park Administration Office, Tel: 033-745-5231 (Kor)
- Admission Fee
Adults (Age 20 and over) : 1,300won
Teenagers (Age 14-19) : 600won
Children (Age13 and under) : 300won
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Guryongsa Temple
Address :
Hakgok-ri, Socho-myeon, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do
Description :
Guryongsa
Temple is located 6km from Birobong Peak on Mt. Chiaksan, toward the
Hakkok-ri direction. Monk Ui Sang (625-702) of the Silla Dynasty (BC
57-AD 935) built and named the temple Guryong sa in 668 (during the
reign of King Moon Mu: reign 661 - 681). However, it is now theorized
by some that the temple was built after King Sukjong, the 19th King of
Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), who reigned from 1674 to 1720, because of
the architectural style of the Daewoongjeon Shrine. There's a legend
that the Guryongsa Temple site was originally a lake where 9 dragons
lived. The name Guryong comes from the story that the lake was filled
up to build the temple on it. There are many shrines such as
Daewoongjeon, Bogwangnu, Samseonggak, Simgeomdang and Seolseondang.
Daewoongjeon has maintained its original shape though it was repaired
many times. Daewoongjeon is a wooden building with the basic Dapojip
style in the Joseon Era. The shape of the building is a Chinese
character (八), with 3 rooms in the front and 2 rooms on the side and
built without any nails. It is designated as Tangible Cultural
Property No.24. We can see the characteristics of the Buddhist statues
in the Joseon Period though the Samjonmokbul inside Daewoongjeon. With
the Seokgamuni figure in the center and two Bosal statues on each side
harmonize the structure of the building, and there are many other
Buddhist artifacts in the temple such as Bogwangru and others.
Directions :
At Wonju Train
Station or Intercity Bus Terminal, take Bus No.41 to Guryongsa Temple
Entrance (45 minute ride), 25 minute ride by taxi.
Information :
-Guryongsa
Temple Tel: 033-732-4800 (Kor) -Admission Fee: Adults (Age 20 and
over) : 2,200 won Teenagers (Age 14-19) and soldiers: 1,300 won
Children (Age 13 and under) : 700 won
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Information provided by Korea National Tourism Organization.
