Located in the
west valley of Yonchonbong Peak of the Mt.
Kyeryong Nat'l Park range, 19 km from Gongju, Gapsa Temple is said to have been built by Adohwasang of the Koguryo Kingdom in 420.
This temple, one of the 10 biggest temples of the Hwaom Order, contains numerous
cultural assets. The autumn foliage along the trail starting from
the temple, running up to the 845m high peak of Mt. Kyeryong and
further down to Donghaksa Temple, which is on the opposite side of the mountain, is remarkable.
This 5.4 km-long trail has a smooth slope and is a perfect
family hiking course. Even during the hot summer days, one
can feel cool walking along the deep Gapsa
Valley, with Yongmun Waterfall and Shinhung
Hermitage on the way. |