Yeongguk Temple (Yeongguksa): A harmony between a thousand old temple and a thousand old tree
-
Explanation
As the 1st scenery of Eight Sceneries of Yangsan, Yeongguk Temple (寧國寺) is a historic temple that was built in Shilla Dynasty near Cheontae Mountain in Nugyori, Yangsanmyeon. It is located about 6.3km northwest from Songho National Tourist Park.
It was named as Gukcheong Temple by National Monk Daegak in King Munjong of Goryo Dynasty. After King Gongmin escaped from the invasion of Honggeonjeok, he named the temple to Yeongguk Temple as a way of wishing nation’s prosperity and people’s well being.
Yeongguk Temple has 5 national treasures and 1 natural monument. The National Treasures includes No. 532, Yeongguk Temple Budo (浮屠), No. 533 Yeongguk Temple Three-story Stone Pagoda, No. 534 Yeongguk Temple Monument of Wongak National Buddhist Monk, No. 535 Yeongguk Temple Mangtam Peak Three-story Stone Pagoda (望塔峯三層石塔) and Natural Monument No. 223 Yeongguk Temple Ginkgo Tree.
Three-story Stone Pagoda was built on two (2) story stereobate (基壇), putting the body of pagoda on top, such that the upper section can be seen easily from distance.It is noted that the eye statue (眼象) was very wide and large on four faces of upper stereobate (there are two stereobates), which supports the body of pagoda.
The foundation of underlying surface is composed of 4-layers each. Stereobate and the overall body of pagoda are concisely designed such that the size of molding art works was small. Therefore, it is assumed that it is from the late Unified Shilla era.
-
Details
- Map
- Location
- Phone
- Telephone: 043-743-8843.
- Time
- Hours of Operation: Weekdays 09:00~20:00 / Closed: open for 365 days
- Costs
- Fee: Free, Fee for Temple Stay (contact for more details)