Yeonghyeolsa Temple

Yangyang Yeonghyeolsa Temple is a branch temple of Sinheungsa Temple, located on Gwanmobong Peak on the southeast side of Seoraksan Mountain in Yangyang-eup, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. It was founded in 689 (the 9th year of King Sinmun of Silla) by Great Master Wonhyo. It is said that Great Master Wonhyo established Ilchulam Hermitage (日出庵) on Seoraksan Mountain in 687, and two years later founded this temple along with Cheongnyeonam Hermitage. However, since Great Master Wonhyo passed away in 686, it is presumed that he was enshrined as the founder after the temple was built. The temple side refers to the 'Hyeolsa' (穴寺), where Wonhyo is said to have entered nirvana, as 'Hyeonghyeolsa' (形穴寺).

This temple is especially famous for its mineral water, and there is a legend associated with it. After founding this temple, Great Master Wonhyo visited Hongnyeonam Hermitage at Naksansa Temple, where Uisang was staying. Seeing that water was very scarce there, he used his staff to divert part of the spring water from Yeonghyeolsa Temple toward Naksansa Temple. Since then, the amount of spring water at Yeonghyeolsa Temple has decreased to one-third, while Naksansa Temple has become abundant in water.