Yeongguksa Temple | Attraction Guide | K-Travel Mate

Yeongguksa Temple, the first scenic spot among the eight views of Yangsan in Yeongdong, Chungcheongbuk-do, is located on Cheontaesan Mountain (715m above sea level), one of the top 100 famous mountains, known for its outstanding natural scenery and rocky hiking trails. From the entrance of Cheontaesan, following the hiking trail leads to a wide basin. At the edge of the basin, two valleys flow and meet to form a three-tiered waterfall. This water forms a valley, along which the path to Yeongguksa Temple runs. Yeongguksa is situated on the southwestern slope of this basin, facing east. It is located on a wide land deep in Cheontaesan's mountains, with very beautiful surrounding scenery. Yeongguksa was founded in 668 during the 8th year of King Munmu of Silla. It is believed to have been reconstructed in the 12th century, during the reign of King Myeongjong of Goryeo, by Wongakguksa, who succeeded Cheontae Buddhism established by Daegakguksa Uicheon. In the reign of King Gojong of Goryeo, the temple was renamed Gukcheongsa after building a new pagoda, monk's stone pagoda, and main hall by royal decree. Later, King Gongmin renamed it Yeongguksa after praying for national peace here while escaping the Hong Geon-jeok rebellion, believing the country had overcome its crisis and achieved peace. Although it flourished until the early Joseon Dynasty, its power declined due to the suppression of Buddhism during that era, and it was restored to the present state in 1934 by Jubo Jongsa's reconstruction. Treasures at Yeongguksa include the Wongakguksa Stele, Yeongguksa Monk's Stone Pagoda, the three-story stone pagoda in front of the Daeungjeon Hall, and a three-story stone pagoda on Mangtapbong Peak. Local tangible cultural assets include the Daeungjeon Hall, stone pagodas shaped like sarira towers, and round pagoda-shaped burial markers. Existing buildings, besides the Daeungjeon Hall, include the monks' quarters, Sansingak Shrine, and pavilion, with an affiliated hermitage called Gyewolam. Also, Yeongguksa is home to an outstanding ginkgo tree that has protected the mountain for over 1,000 years. It stands 31m tall with an 11m circumference; one of its branches takes root in the ground and grows independently like a separate tree. It is designated as a natural monument. Currently, Yeongguksa offers traditional cultural experience programs called templestays, allowing visitors to experience the daily life of practitioners in a temple where 1,700 years of Korean Buddhist history and culture live on. For those who cannot stay long or foreigners with limited time, there is a one-day templestay at the monastery to experience Korean Buddhist culture. There is also a 1-night, 2-day stay program for self-reflection and new discovery while staying at Cheontaesan Yeongguksa. Additionally, relaxation programs are available for flexible durations as desired.