Gameunsaji

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Gameunsaji (Gameunsa Temple Site) was where King Munmu (AD 661-681), the king of Silla who unified Baekjae and Goguryeo late in the 7th century, built Gameunsa (temple). Except for the two large pagodas, everything was burned to the ground.

King Munmu built this temple to drive away the Japanese pirates from the country using the power of Buddha. Unfortunately, he passed away before the completion of the the temple, but had asked to be buried in the East Sea which is 500m/1,640ft from the temple. Being a sacred dragon of the East Sea, he wanted to protect the county after his death. Therefore he was buried at sea near the temple at what is known as the Underwater Tomb of King Munmu, Daewang-am. His son King Sinmun (AD 681-692) completed the temple and named it Gameunsa, which implies appreciating paternal love.

Still reaming at the temple site are the Three-story Stone Pagodas. The East Pagoda and the West pagoda of Gameunsaji (Gameunsa Temple Site) are structurally identical and are designated as National Treasure #112. These stone pagodas were erected during the early years of the Unified Silla Kingdom. The two 13.4m/44ft tall pagodas are the highest three-story stone pagodas of the Silla Era and are known for their symmetry.