Just 40 minutes south-west of Jeonju sits one of Korea’s largest and most impressive temples, Geumsansa. Located next to Moak Mountain in the rural countryside of Jeollabuk-do, this temple showcases both natural beauty and man-made wonders. Founded in 599 AD, Geumsansa grew into a major Buddhist monastery until most of the temple was destroyed by war with the Japanese in 1592, at which time the temple was being used as a training grounds and headquarters for over a thousand monks involved in the resistance against the Japanese invaders. The temple was however rebuilt, and most of the current structures date back to around 1635.
This massive temple includes over 30 buildings, half a dozen stone pagodas and lanterns, a stream, a waterfall, and countless Buddha statues including three of the largest indoor Buddha statues in all of Korea. The largest statue stands at nearly 40 feet tall and is situated between two 30 feet tall Buddhas, all housed inside the equally impressive three-story Mireukjeon Hall. One of the best features of this temple however, is the fact that it is off the beaten path, nestled in the mountains of Jeollabuk-do, offering a much quieter, more peaceful, and far less crowded experience than other famous temples like Bulguksa in Gyeongju.
Geumsansa also offers a temple stay program which allows visitors to stay overnight at the temple and learn about Buddhist and Korean history and culture. To reach Geumsansa, take Bus 79 from Jeonju Express Bus Terminal or Bus 5 from Gimje Intercity Bus Terminal or Gimje Station.
References:
Geumsansa Temple: http://www.geumsansa.org/
Geumsansa Temple Stay Program: http://geumsansa.com/eng/
Visit Korea: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=824869
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