Gulsansa, in Gangneung-shi, Gangwon-do, was the Sangulsan temple of the Nine Mountains sect of Son (Zen) Buddhism. It was established by the late-Shilla era monk Beo-mil (810 - 894). Po-mi lived at Gulsansa for over forty years and turned down all offers by three separate Shilla kings to be the national preceptor. His students included Gaecheong (854 - 930) and Haengjeok (832 - 916). He was given the title T’onghyo posthumously.
Gulsansa continued in operation through the Goryeo era and after 1392 the temple gradually faded away. There are only a few remnants remaining, including these two steles and the faceless sitting buddha. A model of the steles can be found at Ojukheon on the north side of Gangneung.
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Twin steles found at Gulsansa.
This faceless stone buddha is Gangwon-do Cultural Property Material No. 38. He was made in the Goryeo period, and in a style typical of that era. The stone on his head did not come with this statue originally.
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