Moaksan is located across Jungin-dong in Jeonju-si, Geumsan-myeon in Gimje-si, and Guimyeon in Wanju-gun, and was designated as a provincial park on December 2, 1971. Moaksan, one of the four scenic views of Honam, stands tall at 793.5 meters to the east of the Gimje Plain, offering a panoramic view of the Honam plain. According to legend, there is a large rock resembling a mother holding a baby at the summit, which is said to be the origin of the name Moaksan. Alternatively, it is also said that the name Moak comes from the interpretation of Eommwe, meaning "Mother's Mountain." Geumsansa Temple, built in Baekje Beopwang's first year (599), is located here, along with Daewonsa and Suwangsa on the southeastern mid-slopes, and Gwisinsa to the west. Registered temples include Cheongryongsa, Simwonam, Hakseonam, Yongcheonam, Bohyeonsa, Cheonguksa, Yonghwasa, Ssangyongsa, Wolmyeongam, Dotongsa, and others. Additionally, many new religious groups, including the headquarters of Jeungsangyo, are established here. Moaksan, with its national treasures, cultural properties, and natural beauty that changes throughout the seasons, attracts numerous tourists for temple visits and hiking.
Geumsan Church is a hanok church built in 1908 by missionary Lewis Boyd Tate of the Jeonju line. According to the historical records of the Joseon Jesus Presbyterian Church, the original church was built in 1905 with five kan, but it was moved and rebuilt at its current location in 1908. Next to Geumsan Church, a new church building and parsonage were constructed in 1988. The building is five kan long in the north-south direction, with two additional kan extended eastward, forming an inverted L shape. The interior is open with a pulpit installed where the five-kan north-south section meets the two-kan east section, separating seating for men to the south and women to the east. This layout is a unique feature of early Korean church architecture, addressing traditional Korean social gender separation by providing separate worship spaces within an L-shaped building. The church harmoniously combines traditional Korean architectural styles with Western church features, serving as an important structure for studying the indigenization process of early Korean church architecture. The preservation status of each structure is good, and it is designated and conserved as a cultural asset.
Geumsansa Temple, which stands tall at the entrance to Moaksan Provincial Park, was founded in the first year of King Beop of Baekje (599). It was rebuilt by Jinpyo in 776, leading to the appearance of a great temple. The precinct has about ten designated cultural heritages, including the Mireukjeon Hall, which is designated as a National Treasure. Many other annexed buildings make it one of the best ancient temples in the southern region. The wooden Mireukjeon Hall is Korea's only three-story Buddhist temple with a full-story interior. In spring, many tourists visit to see the spectacular sight of cherry blossom trees stretching from the mountain entrance to Geumsansa Temple. Even in the middle of winter, believers come to visit the Maitreya Bodhisattva statue in Mireukjeon Hall, bowing or circling the pagoda. The Maitreya Bodhisattva statue in Mireukjeon Hall is considered the world's largest indoor standing Buddha statue. Among the three Buddha statues, the middle Maitreya Bodhisattva statue is 11.82 meters tall, and the left and right Buddha statues are 8.8 meters tall. Various cultural events are held at the 1400th Anniversary Memorial Hall, built in 1999.
* Major cultural properties: Mireukjeon Hall (National Treasure), Stone Pillar (Treasure), Stone Lotus Pedestal (Treasure), Stele for Royal Preceptor Hyedeok at Geumsansa Temple (Treasure), Five-story Stone Pagoda of Geumsansa Temple (Treasure), Bangdeung Stairs at Geumsansa Temple (Treasure), Hexagonal Multi-story Stone Pagoda of Geumsansa Temple (Treasure), Flagpole Supports of Geumsansa Temple (Treasure), Three-story Stone Pagoda at Simwonam Hermitage of Geumsansa Temple (Treasure), Daejangjeon Hall of Geumsansa Temple (Treasure), and Stone Lantern of Geumsansa Temple (Treasure)
Geumsansa Temple was founded during the Baekje period and has a history of over 1,400 years, keeping its Buddhist light shining to this day as a historically significant temple. It is located on the western foothills of Moaksan Mountain, which rises prominently in the Honam Plain. The temple suffered hardships such as complete destruction of all buildings and about 40 hermitages inside the mountain due to arson by Japanese troops during the Imjin War. However, many cultural properties have been established thereafter and are preserved to the present day. (Source: Geumsansa homepage)
Moaksan Mountain, embracing Geumsansa Temple, Gwisinsa Temple, Suwangsa Temple, and Daewonsa Temple, is 795.2 meters high and stands tall on the east side of the Gimje Plains, offering a panoramic view of the Honam Plains. It was designated as a provincial park in 1971 and is one of the four scenic views in the southern region, with outstanding scenery and many cultural properties, including national treasures. In particular, Geumsansa Temple, built in the first year of King Beop of Baekje (599) and with about ten major cultural properties, is located here, where you can see splendid Buddhist art. If you cross Moaksan Mountain, there are temples such as Daewonsa Temple and Suwangsa Temple on the southeastern slope. Gwisinsa Temple is on the west side. Geumpyeong Reservoir, located near the Geumsansa Temple entrance, is also a suitable fishing spot.
Moaksan Mountain has been considered the home of the Maitreya beliefs since ancient times, and along with the headquarters of Jeungsangyo, it also attracted attention as a gathering place for various new religions in the 30s and 40s. According to records, as many as 80 temples are at the foot of Moaksan Mountain. To hike, leave Geumsansa Temple and climb along the ridge behind Simwonam Hermitage. In spring, azaleas are in full bloom all the way to the top. From the summit, the Gimje Plains and the Mangyeonggang River come into view, as well as Jeonju and Unjangsan Mountain. The cherry blossom tunnel from the parking lot to Iljumun Gate is also spectacular.
Cheonguksa Temple, located at the foot of Moaksan Mountain in Cheongdo-ri, Geumsan-myeon, was originally named Cheonwisa. It was maintained as a small hermitage by Monk Park Jaecheon in 1767. In 1982, Monk Beopjeon was assigned as the head monk and built a 29-pyeong wooden tiled-roof prayer hall, establishing it as Cheonguksa Temple. This temple is known for its Gamcheon water spring, still attracting many visitors for medicinal water. Nearby attractions include Geumsansa Temple, Moaksan Provincial Park, Moaksan Camping Site, and Moaksan Promotion Center, all of which can be visited together.
