Simgoksa Temple (Iksan)

About this place

Simgoksa Temple is a branch temple of Geumsansa of the 17th district of the Korean Jogye Order, located above Jangam Village on the skirts of Mireuksan in Nangsan-myeon, Iksan. As its name suggests, the temple is said to have been founded by the great monk Muyeom during the Silla period while searching for a place for ascetic practice, upon entering a deep valley of Mireuksan — hence 'Simgoksa' (Deep Valley Temple). Mireuksan, where Simgoksa stands, was also the site of Mireuksaji, the great temple built by Prince Seodong — later King Mu — who dreamed of Baekje's revival. The Seven-storey Stone Pagoda of Simgoksa in the temple precinct was designated a Jeonbuk Province Tangible Cultural Heritage on 21 September 2001. It is said to have originally stood about 200 m from the current temple, then moved to its present position. The estimated construction period is from the late Goryeo to early Joseon. The material is granite; the total height is 366 cm, with a base height of 116 cm, a pagoda body height of 250 cm, and a first-story width of about 92 cm.