Dogapsa

Dogapsa Temple, situated on a wide mountainside with its back to Dogapbong Peak on the southern side of Wolchulsan Mountain, known as the 'Small Geumgang of the Southern Region,' and facing Jujibong Peak, is a historically significant temple that originated when the Venerable Doseon Guksa (道詵國師), one of the Four Great Monks of Silla, extensively renovated the original Munsusa Temple to become what it is today. In the 2nd year of King Sejo's reign (1456) during the Joseon Dynasty, King Seumi (守眉王師), acting on a royal command, constructed an astonishing 966 bays of halls and pavilions, along with 12 hermitages. Since then, a succession of eminent monks such as Monk Yeondam, Monk Heoju, and Monk Choui resided here, widely spreading the true principles of enlightenment, establishing it as a temple where practice and teachings continually flourished, a 'lamp of dharma'. Dogapsa Temple is also a treasure trove of precious sacred cultural heritage, having preserved the essence of Buddhist art and culture for a long time. Numerous cultural heritage items are preserved here, including Haetalmun Gate (National Treasure), Maae Yeorae Jwasang (Rock-Carved Seated Buddha, National Treasure), Seokjo Yeorae Jwasang (Stone Seated Buddha, Treasure), Munsu and Bohyeon Bodhisattva and Elephant Statues (Treasure), and monuments dedicated to Doseon and Seumi.