Donghyeolsa Temple (Gongju)

About this place

Donghyeolsa is a Buddhist temple on the mid-slope of Cheonaesan in Uidang-myeon, north of Gongju. It is a branch temple of Magoksa, the head temple of the 6th district of the Korean Jogye Order, and is said to have been founded during the Baekje period. Situated at the 'eastern point' (dong-hyeol) of a geomantic layout that includes Seohyeolsa and Namhyeolsa, its location suggests it was established during the spread of feng shui beliefs on the Korean peninsula. Traces of this earlier site survive below the current temple, at the Donghyeolsa temple site (Donghyeolsa-ji). The simple, unpainted façade of the Daeungjeon main hall gives the temple an air of classical antiquity. Climbing the opposite hillside for a panoramic view reveals an old military helipad from which one can see not only the surrounding scenery of Cheonaesan but also the temple as a whole. The three-storey stone pagoda within the temple precinct has been designated a local cultural heritage site of Gongju City.