Cheonwang Temple天王寺

Cheonwangsa Temple is nestled amidst the beautiful scenery of the Ninety-nine Valleys, located beneath Geumbonggok Valley, which is one of the ninety-nine valleys consisting of numerous peaks and valleys to the east of Eoseungsaeng Peak on Hallasan Mountain. In 1955, it was first founded under the name Suyeongsan Seonwon (Zen Center) by Ven. Biryong, who was practicing Seon meditation in a cave near Cheonwangsa Temple. Although not long after its establishment, it was designated as a traditional temple in 1994. Immediately behind the Daeungjeon (Main Buddha Hall) is a large rock called Yongbawi (Dragon Rock), and on the left side of the courtyard, a powerfully straight rock harmonizing with the lush forest creates a spectacular view. If one follows the stream next to the temple upstream, Seonnyeopokpo Waterfall, said to be Hallasan Mountain's only waterfall, appears, and at the temple entrance, there is a natural spring. Especially in autumn, the autumn foliage coloring the bizarre rock formations below the cliffs is known to be a magnificent spectacle.