Gakyeonsa Temple (Goesan)

During the reign of King Beopheung of Silla, Monk Yuil attempted to build a temple near the present-day Ssanggok-ri, Chilseong-myeon, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do. While he was working on trimming the lumber, a flock of crows flew in, picked up wood shavings and splinters without rest, and disappeared somewhere. Monk Yuil found this strange and followed the crows. At the site of the current Gakyeonsa Temple, wood shavings were found in a pond. Looking into the pond, he saw a stone Buddha statue, from which radiance emanated. Upon seeing the Buddha, Monk Yuil attained great enlightenment, filled the pond, and built a temple on that spot. Because he gained enlightenment after seeing the stone Buddha in the pond, the temple was named Gakyeonsa, using the characters for 'enlightenment' (覺) and 'pond' (淵). The surrounding mountains stand tall, encircling the temple like blooming lotus flowers. Gakyeonsa houses many cultural properties, including the Stupa of Monk Tongil, the Stele of Monk Tongil, the Stone Seated Vairocana Buddha, Birojeon Hall, Daeungjeon Hall, and the Stupa of Monk Tongil. Nearby attractions include Sanmak Old Road, Gallon Valley, and Ssanggok Valley.