Wonju Sangwonsa Temple (상원사(원주)

Sangwonsa Temple is located at the foot of Namdaebong Peak (1,182 m) on the southern tip of Chiaksan Mountain and is built atop a flat rock floor with an area of around 330 m2. Cool spring water shoots up from a crack on a rock before the temple and a 40 meter-tall cliff is located in front of it while three rare katsura trees stand at the tip of the cliff. The story of a pheasant returning a favor, which became the origin tale of Chiaksan, is a myth created at this temple.<br /><br />Though it is not clearly known when Sangwonsa was first constructed, it is believed to have been built during the Silla Dynasty considering the stone pagodas and other relics at the temple. The two stone pagodas in front of the sanctuary add greater magnificence to the beauty of the Buddhist temple in the heart of an old mountain. The temple is designated as a Gangwon-do Cultural Heritage Material.