Guamsa Temple (Sunchang)

About this place

Guamsa Temple is located in the Noryeong Mountain Range at the northwest end of Bokheum-myeon, Sunchang-gun, Jeonbuk. It was founded in the 37th year of King Mu of Baekje (636 CE) by the Seon master Sungje, and rebuilt in 1392 (the 1st year of King Taejo of Joseon) by the Seon master Gakun. The name Guamsa (Turtle Rock Temple) derives from a male turtle-shaped rock to the east of the temple and a female turtle-shaped rock beneath the main hall (Daeungjeon). Among its important cultural heritages, the temple holds a copy of the Worin Seokbo (Treasure No. 745-10, 1459, 5th year of King Sejo, first printed edition). The Worin Seokbo is the first combined Buddhist scripture vernacular translation, merging King Sejong's Worin Cheongang Jigok and King Sejo's Seokbo Sangjeol, and is a precious resource for studying the evolution of the Korean alphabet (Hangeul) and the history of printing.