This temple was built to protect Silla from Japanese invasions on the east coast.
Three-story Stone Pagoda at Gamunsa Temple Site
In the 7th century, King Munmu, the 30th king of Silla, who achieved the unification of the three kingdoms (676) by defeating Goguryeo and Baekje, tried to build Jinguksa to protect the unified Silla from the Japanese, but died shortly before completion. His son, King Munmu, the 31st king of Silla, renamed Jinguksa Temple as Gaunsa Temple to commemorate his father’s great deeds. Ilgeumdang Garam-style three-story stone pagoda temple was completed.
About 1.7km away from Gameunsa Temple, there is the Tomb of King Munmu in the East Sea, where the legend that King Munmu was reborn as a dragon of the sea to protect Silla is located. The main hall and the marina remain.
main hall stone floor ruins
main hall
dock remains
| Basic information | |
|---|---|
| Name | Gameunsa Temple Site 감은사지 感恩寺址 |
| Address | 55-1 Yongdang-ri, Yangbuk-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 경상북도 경주시 양북면 용당리 55-1 |
| Admission Fees | Free |
| More information | Historic Site No. 31 and National Treasure No. 112 |
