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Gounsa Temple - 고운사 (孤雲寺) (begun 661, rebuilt 1835 onward)

In the rural hills between Andong and Uiseong is a hidden jewel of Korean architecture. Gounsa, or Lone Cloud temple, was originally built in 661 AD by the great Silla priest Uisang, who founded a number of important temples across the country. The temple was first renovated during the visit of the eminent scholar Choe Chiwon, who assisted in the construction of several pavilions. In his honor the Chinese characters for the temple were changed to "Lonely cloud temple," but the pronunciation remained the same. Further renovations occurred twice in the Goryeo dynasty (Koryô, 918-1392), first in 948 and again in 1018.

The temple escaped destruction during the Imjin war of 1592-98 and became a base of operations for anti-Japanese activity among the Korean defenders. The monk Samyeong Daesa personally directed military operations from Gounsa, earning him fame as an early patriot.

Unfortunately, nearly entire temple was destroyed in a disastrous fire in 1835. Construction began soon afterward, but another fire in the 1970s destroyed a few pavilions. Though restored to its size, the buildings are a bit new.

Gounsa is far off the beaten path, at the end of a dusty twelve kilometer road that runs almost straight east from highway 5. The road runs through a few small hamlets, where it becomes so narrow that it is barely a lane wide.

Address: 경북 의성군 단촌면 구계리 116.