[Series] 3. Guinsa

Danyang, a picturesque county in North Chungcheong Province, is well known for its eight natural wonders (Danyang Palgyeong), scenic views and cultural attractions and it was on my bucket list for quite a while until I managed to visit it. Now it is by far my favorite area in Korea and one of the most beautiful.

Since my trip to Danyang was short and I couldn't visit all the attractions I decided to combine those that were closer to my accommodation and that is how I got to discover Guinsa temple. I didn't know anything about this temple before and I didn't expect anything spectacular either, but I was wrong. It took me thirty minutes by car from the town of Danyang to the temple and I stopped on my way back to the Bobalje Observatory to admire the sunset and enjoy a tranquil beautiful landscape.

I reached the temple in the afternoon and I took the last bus from the Cheontae Central Museum to the entrance of the temple. From there I passed the Gwanseongdang (observatory hall) and I was welcomed by an imposing gate and I realized the path is only ascending. Basically the entire walk felt like hiking. What I discovered was not just a temple but a hidden town that reminded me of the Chinese historical movies. Monks were bustling about, working diligently in a pavilion that looked more like a small factory.

Their efficient movements confirmed what I'd heard - here, even the most basic sustenance was mindfully crafted by monastic hands.

Guinsa is settled in the valley near the Sobaek mountains and is the headquarters of the Cheontae school of Buddhism, the Korean version of China's Tiantai teachings.No wonder everything looked like Beijing's Forbidden City.The temple is huge and quite new, being founded in 1945. During the Korean War (1950-1953), it was destroyed by fire but was rebuilt in 1966, and expanded.After I did some research I discovered it is the largest temple in Korea and accommodates around fifty buildings and still expanding, having a total capacity of around 60,000 people.Unlike other temples, all pavilions are tall, vividly decorated and shiny, culminating with the last shrine called Daejosajeon or Great Teacher Hall near the end of the valley.This shrine was erected in the memory of Sangwol Wongak, the founder of Guinsa.Here visitors are treated to a stunning panorama of Sobaeksan Mountain's jagged peaks rising through the narrow valley.It was late afternoon but the view was breathtaking.

Among devoted Cheontae Buddhists the temple is known for vibrant religious ceremonies, attracting both devoted pilgrims and curious travelers. Visitors can explore its intricate halls, serene meditation spaces, and the towering five-story Daejeokgwangjeon Hall (Grand Dharma Hall), which enshrines a majestic golden Buddha. Unfortunately I couldn't see it due to the late hour. While Guinsa Temple draws devoted Cheontae Buddhists and autumn hikers seeking its vibrant foliage, it remains something of a hidden gem, largely undiscovered by the broader, it offers a unique blend of spiritual intensity and stunning architectural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Korea.

Photographs by Melline Galani