Taesansa (대산사)

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Drive 16km from Gokseong-eup using National Road No. 17 along the Seomjin River with silver sand and crystal clear water and you will arive at Aprok Park where the Seomjin River and the Boseng River meet. Then go 12 km using National Road N. 18 along the Boseong River you will arrive at Taean Temple located at Wondal-ri, Jukgok-myeon. Taesan Temple standing on the Mt. Dongri was built by Buddhist Monk Hyecheol who founded the Dongrisan School in the first year of King Gyeongdeok in the Silla Period(742).

It was first called Daean Temple. This temple was the head temple of the Dongrisan School and attained the height of prosperity, governing Seonam Temple, Songgwang Temple, Hwaeum Temple, and Ssanggye Temple. Buddhist Saint Doseon attained Nivana in this temple.

Zen Master Gwangja extended a building into 32 kan in the Gorye Dynasty, but Songgwang Temple was separated, becoming the head temple of the Jogye Order in the middle of the Goryeo Dynasty. Like every temple, it suffered from the policy of inhibiting Buddhist in the Joseon Dynasty. But once it was the temple of the royal family by Prince Hyoryeong. During the Joseon Dynasty, it did not restored its old glory, stayed in existence, and finally was drooped to a branch temple of Hwaeom Temple. Most buildings were burnt in the Yeosu?Suncheon Uprising and the Korean War. In 1996, Daeungjeon Building was rebuilt after old appearance. Hyechel's stupa and Zen Master Gwangja Monument which are mossy show the long history of this temple. The temple was designated as Provincial Cultural Assets No. 23 and has nine cultural assets including small cymbals. A 1.8 km-valley to Taean Temple is famous for cool water, dense trees, and beautiful red leaves and loved by everyone.