GURYONGSA TEMPLE

This temple was founded in 668 (the buildings date from the 18th century) under the reign of King Munmu de Silla. There was a basin where 9 dragons lived (hence the original name of the temple, "the temple of the 9 dragons"). When it was decided to build the temple, 8 dragons flew to the East Sea, and the last one went to live in the basin under the Guryong waterfall, not far away. A monument at the entrance to the temple, Hwangjanggeumpyo, prohibited the cutting of nearby timber for the royal family's coffins. This monument is unique in Korea.