Dogapsa Temple

Founded by National Preceptor Doseon in the late Silla period, and rebuilt by Sumi in the second year of King Sejo's reign (1456) in the early Joseon period. About 100 meters past the Iljumun Gate of Dogapsa Temple, you will find the National Treasure Haetalmun Gate. Built in the fourth year of King Seongjong's reign (1473), this old building has a very unique architectural style. In the front left and right compartments of Haetalmun Gate are statues of Vajrapani, and in the next compartments are the Treasure statues of Manjushri and Samantabhadra. Within the temple grounds are Daeungjeon Hall, a five-story stone pagoda, and the stele of King Priest Sumi. About 100 meters above the temple, in Mireukjeon Hall, there is a Treasure stone seated Buddha statue. It is recorded that the temple was rebuilt in the third year of King Sejo's reign (1473) by the two royal priests Shinmi and Sumi, with a total scale of 966 rooms and 12 hermitages, and at one time housed 730 resident monks. However, many buildings were burned down during the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin Waeran) and the Korean War (6.25 War). Even now, on the empty site of about a thousand pyeong behind Daeungjeon Hall, foundation stones are clearly embedded here and there, and in the front yard, a stone water container reaching 5 meters in height, used by monks for drinking water, gives a hint of Dogapsa Temple's past size and number of monks. Driving about 8 km from Yeongam-eup toward Mokpo, you will come to Gurim Samgeori. Turn left, pass the Gunseo market, and go up about 4 km to find the cherry blossom road leading to Dogapsa Temple. When cherry blossoms bloom and autumn leaves change color, it harmonizes beautifully with the peaks of Wolchulsan Mountain. Also, the Gurimcheon Valley along the road is a popular summer resort for vacationers. In particular, halfway up the mountain on the right side of the road, at Jujibong Peak, there is Munsanjae, where it is said that the Baekje scholar Dr. Wangin studied. Nearby attractions include Muwisa Temple, Wolchulsan Mountain, Seonggidong National Tourist Site, and the Historic Site of Dr. Wangin.