Munsusa Temple (Gochang)

About this place

Munsusa Temple is located on the slopes of Munsasan Mountain (621 m), which forms the border between Gochang and Jangseong in South Jeolla Province. Records state that it was founded in 643 (the 3rd year of King Uija of Baekje) by the Silla monk Jajang. According to legend, Jajang was returning from practicing at Qingliang Mountain in Tang China when he passed through this area — then Baekje territory — felt it resembled Qingliang Mountain, prayed in a stone grotto, and discovered a stone statue of Manjushri Bodhisattva in the earth, whereupon he built a temple there. The temple holds several designated cultural heritages, including the Main Hall (Provincial Tangible No. 51), the Manjushri Hall (No. 52), a stupa (No. 154), a wooden Three Worlds Buddha statue (No. 207), and a wooden Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva statue (No. 208). The Munsusa baby maple grove, designated as a Natural Monument, features over 500 baby maple trees aged 100 to 400 years lining the 80 m stretch from the one-pillar gate to the temple entrance.