Yeongoksa Temple 연곡사(구례)

Yeongoksa Temple is located in Naedong-ri, Toji-myeon, Gurye-gun and was constructed by Yeongi, a high Buddhist monk, who also helped create Hwaeomsa Temple. The temple was destroyed during the Japanese Invasion of Korea and the Korean War. In spite of the damage, the temple has continued to house two national treasures: East Monk Stupa of Yeongoksa Temple (National Treasure No. 53) North Monk Stupa of Yeongoksa Temple (National Treasure No. 54). The temple also houses four designated treasures. Jangsungbu, a Buddihist monk at the time, demolished the previous temple and rebuilt a Buddist sanctuary on the site. It has 5 rooms in the front and 3 rooms on the side made with embankments of granite stones and natural stones, and opened on March 1, 1981 through donations and government support. There is a memorial stone near the temple of Go Gwang-sun, who was the leader of the army who died for his devotion.

According to the story, Yeongi discovered a pond in the current sanctuary area when reading about the land's topography. While he was looking at the middle of the pond, one swallow flew from a whirlpool. After that, the pond began to dry up and the place was then used for the temple. As such, the name "Yeongok refers to the phenomenon of "Yeon," a swallow, and "Gok," a valley.