Daewonsa

Daewonsa is a very clean and graceful temple where Buddhist nuns(Biguni) greet you with gentle smiles. Located at the slope of Mt. Jirisan in Yupyeong-ri, Samjang-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Daewonsa is a branch of Haeinsa, Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Together with Yangsan Seoknamsan and Yesan Gyeonseongam, it is a representative zen semenary of Buddhist nuns(Biguni). The valley and pine tree forest make you confused it with the world of hermits. Iljumun, the entrance gate greets you with the colorful green on reds and the majestic size. The words "Bangjansan Daewonsa" are written on the gate. Daewonsa course and Beopgyesa course are most typical way to climb Cheonwangbong peak. The first one is a 19km long tough climbing course.

Daewonsa Valley (Provincial Cultural Asset No.114) covers 8km from the parking lot to Daewonsa and Saejae, harmonized with rock formation and rare high mountain plants. Each place of the valley has its legend; Yongso is where a dragon lived for 100 years and ascended to heaven. Somokgol is where the last king Guhyeong of Garakguk stayed, and feed cattle and horses. Wansan is where a king climbed. Mandeokjae is where a king watched against his enemy. Dojanggul is where the ancestors stored grains for soldiers. These old names with those legends are still used.

Daewonsa was found by a great monk Yeongijosa in 548(the 9th year of king Jinheung) on the south of Jirisan, and was originally called as Pyeongwonsa. Ungwon rebuilt the temple in 1685(11th year of king Sukjong) and named it as Daewonam. Monk Gubong restored the old building in 1980(the 27th year of King Gojong) and named it as Daewonsa . Unfortunately it was all burnt in 1948 when the soldiers came to quell the resistance in Yeosun Rebellion Accident. Biguni Kim Beom Il finally rebuilt the temple in 1955. In the temple site stand multi-storied pagoda (Treasure No.112) of the early-Joseon Dynasty, Daeung-jeon, main temple, Sarira tower and Bell Pavilion. The climbing course from Daewonsan to Cheonwangbong the most scenic place in Mt. Jirisan with waterfalls, mountain villa and peaks like Sseoribong, Jungbong on the way.