Suri-sa Temple

Surisa Temple is a branch temple belonging to the 2nd district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, located on the southwestern mid-slope of Surisan Mountain. Surisa Temple, founded during the reign of King Jinheung of Silla, was named Surisa because it was a sacred place for cultivating faith, and there is a theory that the mountain was later named Surisan after the temple. Another theory states that during the Joseon dynasty, a royal descendant saw the Buddha while training there, leading to the mountain being called Surisan or Gyeonbulsan (meaning "Buddha-seeing mountain"). Before the Joseon Dynasty, it was a large temple, boasting 36 buildings including the Daeungjeon (Main Hall) and 12 attached hermitages, but it was destroyed during the Imjin War (Japanese invasions of Korea). Afterward, it is said that General Gwak Jae-u, a righteous army leader during the Imjin War, rebuilt the temple and spent his later years there. Currently, centered around the Daeungjeon, there are buildings such as Sansingak (Spirit King Shrine), Nahanjeon (Arhat Hall), Yongsingak (Dragon God Shrine), and two stone lanterns. The temple flourishes, attracting many devotees and hikers. The single road leading to Surisa Temple is rich in forest and runs alongside a valley, offering excellent scenery, and Surisan Mountain, which surrounds the temple, gives the impression of a folding screen.