An elegant yet tranquil temple… Gounsa is truly an elegant, yet tranquil temple. For example, when you arrive in the parking lot, there’s nothing there, it’s completely surrounded by forest, so you’ll wonder if you’ve made a wrong turn. As you walk from the parking lot towards the temple, you may become lost in contemplation. The tranquil path through the forest meanders here and there, continuing until it reaches Gounsa, which stands elegantly inhabiting some flat land in the mountain ravine. Gounsa (High Cloud Temple) was founded during the reign of Shilla King Munmu (681 C.E.) by Ven. Uisang (625-702 C.E.). Towards the latter part of the Shilla Dynasty, a scholar by the name of Chiwon Choi, or Goun (857-?), built two temple pavilions, together with some monks. He then changed the Chinese character for “High” in the temple’s name to a different “Go”, meaning “Solitary” or “Lonely”, after his own name, so now we have the “Solitary Cloud Temple”. Even today, these pavilions he built, the Gaunru and Uhwaru, still have an ancient mystique about them. Gounsa does have some buildings which have been built more recently, but there are also many buildings such as the Paradise Hall that have a certain serene quality. Another good example is the Yeonsujeon Hall, off to one side of the temple courtyard, and surrounded by a stone wall with a Great Gate. It was built during the reign of King Yeongjo (1744) for the health of the royal family, and then later reconstructed in 1907 to pray for the longevity of King Gojong. The building is splendidly painted, with a Yin-Yang symbol as its focus. It’s also quite nice to stand in front of the Arahat Hall and survey the temple area. The eyes of the tiger in the wall painting, which is hidden as if it had been concealed, seem to follow whoever looks at it. Gounsa’s Templestay Program Gounsa’s Templestay programs are quite unique. There is a program that teaches how to make traditional temple food and Cheonggukjang (fermented soy beans). The first day includes brief instructions in temple etiquette, followed by making temple food, such as rice wrapped in lotus leaves. For dinner, everyone enjoys sampling what they have made. On the next day there is a chance to explore the temple and surrounding area. You can take a walk on Gounsa’s forest walking meditation paths. Then, check out the temple’s giant bell, Dharma drum, wooden fish, and cloud-shaped gong and try them out for yourself. There is also a special Templestay.