Dosuram Hermitage (Gochang)

About this place

The exact founding date of Dosuram is unknown, but temple records state it was established along with Seonunsa Temple during the Baekje period. One account holds that toward the end of his life, King Jinheung of Silla renounced the throne and was residing in a cave on Dosolsan (Tusita) Mountain when one night a dream showed a great rock splitting open to reveal the Maitreya Trinity within. Moved by this vision, he founded several temples and hermitages including Jungaesa, Seonunsa, and Dosulsa. The name 'Dosol' (Tusita) and the appearance of the Maitreya Trinity in the founding legend suggest the hermitage was established on a foundation of Maitreya faith. Particularly notable is the large cliff-carved seated Buddha (maaebuljwasang) on the western rock face of Dosuram, regarded as an important early Goryeo rock-carved Buddha. People call this cliff Buddha 'Mireukbul' (Maitreya), further attesting to the deep connection between Dosuram and Maitreya worship. The present structures include a main hall (Daeungjeon), a hall of the arhats (Nahanjeon), the Tusita Heaven Inner Palace (Dosolcheon Naewongung), and living quarters.