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Daewangam Rock, Gameunsa Temple and Igyeondae Platform
are near Gampo on the east coast.
Daewangam Rock is the underwater tomb of King Munmu
who promised to become a sea dragon to protect Silla
from Japanese invaders.
King
Munmu began construction of Gameunsa Temple and
it was completed by his son, King Sinmun.
According to legend, after it was built, a
dragon appeared and Iigyeondae Platform was built.
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¡ã Igyeondae Platform
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King
Munmu willed that his body be cremated in a simple funeral
ceremony and that his remains be buried under the large
rock off the east shore at Gampo.
The rock is now called Daewangam Rock. The
surrounding pillars of rocks form a placid
pond.
This
pavilion, looking out on Daewangam Rock, is
where King Sinmun was said to have seen the dragon, King
Munmu's incarnation.
It is also said that he was given 'manpasikjeok,'
a legendary flute, which has power to ease
disturbances in the world.
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¡ã Near View of Daewangam
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¡ãSeated Buddha Golgulsa Temple
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Golgulsa
Temple, located at the foot of Mt. Hamwolsan, a few
kilometers from Girimsa Temple, is known as Korea's Donhwang
Grotto.
There
are several holes which are considered grottos
on the granite cliffs of Mt. Hamwolsan.
A seated Buddha, with a bright smile, is carved
in relief on top of it.
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¡ã Gameunsa Temple Site
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This
temple site, located at the foot of Mt. Yongdangsan
in Yangbuk-myeon, looks out on Daewangam Rock.
King Munmu started construction of the temple
after the unification of the three main kingdoms
of Korea; his son, King Sinmun, completed it and
named it Gameunsa Temple, meaning 'Temple of Filial
Respect.' Currently, two stone pagodas stand facing
each other at this site.
These grand pagodas, constructed in 682, are the
largest and oldest of silla stone pagodas.
As masterpieces showing the beauty of well-balanced
symmetry and aspiring power, they were designated
National Treasure No. 112
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¡ã The sun rises in Daewangam
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Gampo Seashores
