Geumsansa Temple and Surroundings, Gimje

Basic information

Designation

Historic Site No.496

Category

유적지

Era

조선

Designated year

2008

Location

김제시, 전북특별자치도— 전북 김제시 금산면 모악15길 1, 일원 (금산리)

Coordinates

35.722538, 127.052597

Geumsansa Temple is thought to have been founded during the Baekje Kingdom (18 B.C.- A.D.660). It underwent major reconstruction work under the initiative of Master Jinpyo during Unified Silla (676-935) and has been a center of the cult of Maitreya, the Future Buddha, for the past 1,400 years. Gyeonhwon (867-936), the founder of Later Baekje, was once incarcerated at this temple. During the Goryeo Period, Royal Preceptor Hyedeok (1038-1096) had the temple repaired, and published and disseminated Buddhist texts related to the Dharmalaksana Sect while he was staying there. The temple was also a defense stronghold during the Japanese invasions of 1592-1598. The temple has outstanding historical and cultural value owing to the presence of eleven state-designated cultural heritages, including Mireukjeon Hall (National Treasure No. 62), stone artifacts of the Goryeo Period (918-1392), and wooden buildings from the late Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), within its grounds.

Location