Ceramic Experiences at Gyeryongsan | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Gyeryongsan Ceramic Art Village is located in Banpo-myeon, Gongju-si. It covers an area of about 5,000 pyeong and was established in 1993 as a community village by 18 ceramic artists in their 30s to early 40s who majored in ceramics at universities. The village aims to preserve and restore traditional iron-painted buncheong porcelain and develop into a ceramic cultural space where tradition and the future coexist. It is the first ceramic village in the country where residents moved in simultaneously. Since its establishment, 12 ceramic artists have been consistently active in producing works. It has become a famous spot on Gyeryongsan through events such as the Iron-Painted Buncheong Porcelain Festival and ceramic experience programs.

Gap-sa Temple is located on the northwestern slope of Gyeryongsan Mountain within Gyeryongsan National Park in Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do. It is a famed temple that was one of the ten major temples of the Hwaeom sect during the Unified Silla period. The temple is surrounded by old pine and zelkova tree forests, and has long been known for its beautiful autumn foliage, giving rise to the saying 'Chunma Valley, Chu Gap-sa (Spring Hemp Valley, Autumn Gap-sa)'. Originally founded in 420 AD, the first year of King Gui Sin of Baekje, by the monk Ado from Goguryeo, Gap-sa has been called Gyeryong Gap-sa, Gap-sa, Gap-sa-sa, and Gyeryong-sa. Among these, it is said Gap-sa was so named because it is the best (甲) among heaven, earth, and humanity. During the Joseon Dynasty, it was excepted from the policy of Confucian supremacy suppressing Buddhism and even received royal patronage, leading to the carving of the 'Wolin Seokbo'. After being destroyed during the Japanese invasion in 1597, its Daeungjeon Hall and Jinhaedang Hall were rebuilt beginning in 1604 (the 37th year of King Seonjo), and the temple survives today. Thanks to its long history, many valuable cultural assets remain preserved inside the temple. Around the temple, beautiful scenic spots such as Yongmun Waterfall, Sujeongbong Peak, Cheonjinbo Pagoda, and Gunjadae are found, and notably, the southern valley is famous for creating nine scenic bends, known as the 'Nine Bends' with stunning views. Visitors may participate in temple ceremonies and templestay programs held at the temple.

Sinwonsa Temple is located on the southwest foothills of Gyeryongsan National Park. It is called one of the three major temples of Gyeryongsan along with Donghaksa and Gapsa. Founded in the 11th year of King Uija of Baekje (651), it has undergone several reconstructions and was restored in 1876 and 1946, reaching the present day. The current Sinwonsa is said to have relocated after being destroyed during the Imjin War, with its original site presumed to be the large field south of Sinwonsa and Jungakdan. With a long history, it houses the National Treasure, the Nosanabul Gwaebultang (hanging scroll Buddha painting), and cultural heritage designations for Daeungjeon Hall, Jungakdan, the five-story stone pagoda, and the Sorimwon stone Maitreya Buddha statue.

1394년(조선 태조 3년)에 창건한 신원사(新元寺)의 산신각이다. 산신은 원래 산하대지(山河大地)의 국토를 수호하는 신이며 산신제는 민족 정기의 고양과 모든 백성의 합일(合一) 및 번영을 기원하던 팔관회(八關會)를 후에 기우제, 산신제라 부르게 된 것이다.