Cheoneunsa Temple (Gurye)
泉隱寺209 Nogodan-ro, Gwangui-myeon, Gurye County, Jeollanam Province
Cheoneunsa Temple is located 9km north of Gurye-eup, at the entrance to Jirisan Mountain's circumferential road. It was founded in 828 AD (3rd year of King Heungdeok of Silla) by Master Deogun and the Indian monk Seuru, who laid its foundation. Known as Hwacheonyangsa, it is considered one of the three major temples of Jirisan Mountain, alongside Hwaeomsa Temple. After being destroyed by fire during the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin War), it was rebuilt by Seonsa Hyejeong in 1610 (2nd year of King Gwanghaegun of Joseon). However, it burned down again in 1676 (2nd year of King Sukjong) and was rebuilt the following year. It suffered another fire in 1773 (49th year of King Yeongjo) and was rebuilt by Seonsa Hyeam in 1775 (51st year of King Yeongjo), reaching its current form. The original name of Cheoneunsa Temple was Gamnosa. It was given in 828 when founded by the Indian monk and Master Deogun, due to a clear, cold spring in the temple grounds, like dew. It was believed that drinking this water would clear a clouded mind, attracting over a thousand monks at one point. During King Chungnyeol's reign of Goryeo, it was elevated to the status of the foremost temple in the southern region. However, after it was destroyed during the Japanese invasions of Korea and being rebuilt, a large python frequently appeared by the spring. When it was caught and killed, the spring reportedly stopped flowing. Believing the spring had hidden, the temple's name was changed to Cheoneunsa in 1677 (4th year of King Sukjong of Joseon). Strangely, after the name change, frequent unexplained fires and misfortunes plagued the temple. Local residents feared this was due to killing the python, believed to protect the temple's water energy. Upon hearing this, Won-gyo Yi Gwang-sa, one of the four great calligraphers of Joseon, wrote 'Jirisan Cheoneunsa' in a flowing script, which was then hung at the temple. After this, no more fires occurred. Even today, in the quiet hours before dawn, it is said that the faint sound of flowing water can be heard from the calligraphy on the Iljumun (One Pillar Gate) signboard.
