Yeongtapsa Temple (Dangjin)

About this place

Yeongtapsa Temple is located on the eastern slope of Ungsan Mountain (254.9m) in Dangjin. It is said to have been founded by State Preceptor Doseon in the late Silla period and rebuilt by State Preceptor Bojo during the Goryeo period under King Chungyeol. In the main hall stands a Gilt Bronze Vairocana Triad (designated a National Treasure), and the temple grounds are surrounded by magnificent ancient trees. A seven-story stone pagoda designated as Chungcheongnam-do Cultural Heritage Material is built in a unique style atop natural rock. The temple's bronze bell, also designated as Chungcheongnam-do Cultural Heritage Material, bears the inscription 'In February 1760, melt one hundred geun of gold from the bell of Gaya-sa Temple's main hall to make a new bell,' along with the names of parishioners from Deoksan, Hongju, and Myeoncheon who donated. Gayasa is the temple burned by Heungseon Daewongun to use the site for his father Namyeon-gun's burial. How this temple's bronze bell came to Yeongtapsa is unknown. The temple's Medicine Buddha statue is designated as a Chungcheongnam-do Tangible Cultural Heritage. Nearby sites include Myeoncheon Eupseong Fortress, Myeoncheon Reservoir, and Goljeong Reservoir.