Girimsa

Girimsa is a Buddhist temple on the slopes of Mount Hamwolsan containing 16 buildings including the Daejeokgwangjeon, Yaksajeon, and Eungjinjeon halls along with stone pagodas. The complex houses Buddhist artworks and sculptures distributed throughout its spaces.

The temple was founded in 643 AD during Queen Seondeok's reign by the Indian monk Gwangyu and was originally called Imjeongsa. The monk Wonhyo later undertook a major restoration of the site.

The temple preserves a painting of the Vairocana Buddha Triad created by seven monk painters in the 18th century. This artwork reflects the artistic collaboration of monastic communities during that period.

Visitors can explore multiple halls containing Buddhist artworks, particularly the Eungjin-jeon hall with its numerous white stone figures. The temple sits on a mountain slope, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

The temple's name was changed from Imjeongsa to Girimsa, which means 'the forest where Buddha resided.' At its peak, it was even larger than the well-known Bulguksa temple in the same region.