This major Zen temple is thought to date back a millenia, but it remained relatively unknown until it became associated with Seosan, a warrior monk who led a group against Japanese invaders between 1592 and 1598. The backdrop of mountains against the temple is said to be a silhouette of Buddha lying down on his back. Trails behind the temple lead to some mountain hermitages, such as Bukmireuk-am, with its Silla-era (850–932) Buddhist stone carvings.
The temple is inside Duryunsan Provincial Park, a 30-minute walk from the bus stop. Templestays are available (from â‚©40,000).