| Address |
| 52 Jungjang-ri, Gyerong-myeon, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do |
| Description |
Gapsa temple is located in Gyeryongsan Mountain National Park, about 19km from
Gongju-si. It was established by the monk Adohwasang in 420, during the Baekje
period (234-678), and is famous for having numerous cultural treasures.
Once
you pass the parking lot, you come to a market area, the ticketing booth, and
then pass through Iljumun, the main gate. From the parking lot to the Gapsa
temple is less than 2km, but the road passes a famous area known as Ori forest.
In the spring, the apricot flowers bloom, and in the summer, lush green forest
covers the area. In the fall the leaves turn color to create a spectacular view
of the road. When you enter Gapsa, the first thing that will catch your
attention is the temple’s lecture hall. There is a big sign with words written
in blue, “Gyeryonggapsa”, at the entrance of the building. There are usually no
lecture halls in temples, and it is part of Gapsa’s uniqueness to have such a
building. To one side of the lecture hall is the Dongjonggak, which houses the
Dongjong (copper bell). Daeungjeon, the main building, is behind the lecture
hall. If you go left from Gapsa’s lecture hall, there are the Pyochungwon and
Palsangjeon buildings. Pyochungwon is where they keep the portraits of the high
priests Yeong-Gyu, Sa-Myeong, and Seo-San, who also served as monk-soldiers
during the Imjinwaeran (war with Japan 1592-1598 ). High priest Yeong-Gyu,
especially, took lead in getting monks to become soldiers. Pyochungwon was
created to honor them. Above Pyochungwon stands the Palsanjeon building. It is
so named because Palsangdo, on which the life of Buddha was divided into eight
parts and described with pictures, is preserved here. The spot where these two
building are is the most beautiful area for autumn leaves. If you keep following
the road continuing on past Gapsa temple, the Gyeryongsan Mountain trail walk
appears. A bit ways away from Gapsa, there is a traditional Teahouse, and the
valley beside the place is also very beautiful. Across the valley you can see
Gongu tower. Follow the road going off to one side of the Gongu tower and
Daejeokjeon building appears, as well as Cheoldanggan. Cheoldanggan is what is
raised up between two Danggan pillars. Originally there were 28 Cheoltongs
connected t each other, but four of them broke during Go-Jong’s reign, and now
there are only 24 Cheoltongs left.
Gapsa is famous for its beauty during the
fall. Maple trees and gingko trees, and countless other trees with large leaves
are mixed together, and they create a very natural and beautiful autumn
landscape.
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| Directions |
From Daejeon West, take direct bus to Gapsa, travel time, 1 hr.
From Gongju,
take direct bus to Gapsa, or regular bus. Travel time, 25-30min.
From
yuseong, take direct bus to Gapsa, travel time, 50 min.
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| Information |
1. Admission Fee Individuals: age 20 and older – 2600 won / ages 14 to 19 – 1300 won / ages
8 to 13 – 700 won. Groups: age 20 and older – 2400 won / ages 14 to 19 – 1100 won / ages 8 to 13 –
550 won. Parking Fee: small car – 4000 won / large car – 6000 won (daily fee).
2. Inquiries: Gapsa +82-41-857-8981 (Kor)
3. Closed: None
4. Hours:
05:00 - 19:00
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