Donghaksa Temple, Buddhist temple in Gongju, South Korea
Donghaksa is a Buddhist temple situated in a valley of Gyeryongsan Mountain with peaks surrounding the complex. The main structures house a community of nuns who dedicate themselves to religious study and practice.
The temple was established in the early 8th century and was rebuilt centuries later during the founding period of the Goryeo Kingdom. This reconstruction linked the sanctuary to the protection of the emerging dynasty.
The temple serves as a training center where Buddhist nuns practice and preserve traditional teachings through daily rituals. Visitors can observe how this community maintains religious customs that have shaped Korean Buddhist life over centuries.
The temple sits in a quiet mountain setting and is best reached on foot or by local bus service from nearby areas. Access typically involves walking from the lower valley where buses stop before reaching the main complex.
The path leading to the temple is lined with cherry blossom trees for a long distance, creating a natural corridor of flowers during spring. This seasonal beauty makes the approach walk memorable for visitors arriving at the sanctuary.
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