By Honorary Reporter Samia Shamim from Bangladesh

Photos = Samia Shamim

When studying at the Korean Language Institute of Jeonju University, I had an opportunity to visit Geumsansa (Golden Mountain) Temple. I had heard that the temple was one of Korea's most beautiful and scenic and wanted to visit this marvelous place.

Coincidentally, one of my Korean-language teachers invited me and a couple of my friends to lunch one day, and later took us on a long drive outside the city. What a surprise to discover that we were going to Geumsansa.

As we neared our destination, the road on the way looked familiar. One side of the road had a dense maple forest both green and serene and the other displayed traditional stores selling wooden statues and furniture and ancient handicrafts made with bamboo.

We took time out to enjoy this beauty with coffee and snacks before entering the temple grounds. The sun was shining brightly on a spring day but a cool breeze blew through the trees. Sitting in the shade and hearing leaves rustle felt so peaceful, as our healing in nature had begun. We noticed a trickling stream coming down from the mountains flowing just beside the maple trees.  

Main gate of Geumsansa.

As we entered the temple gates, the beautiful motifs at the entrance took us by surprise. We studied the brochures and the information boards to learn about the history of Geumsansa. The temple is in a flat river valley on the western slope of Moaksan Mountain in Gimje, Jeollabuk-do Province. It was built in A.D. 599 and from 722 and 766, it was rebuilt and expanded under the supervision of the monk Jinpyo. 

Mireukjeon Hall

Nestled in such a lovely nature setting, the temple gets a new look with every change in season. Spring is adorned with cherry blossoms and autumn multicolored leaves. No wonder that these two seasons attract the most visitors to Geumsansa.

 Cascading gardens within the temple complex

The beauty of this place differs in every season, so visiting in spring to see cherry blossoms and in fall when the leaves change color is recommended. 

The nature around the temple is calm and peaceful.

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.