Salvation of the World through Mastery of Truth)[1] is a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and in the southern part of Mt.

[3] Tongdosa was established by the monk Jajang-yulsa after returning from Tang China in 646 AD,[3] during the reign of Queen Seondeok of Silla.

It thrived throughout the Later Silla and Goryeo periods (918-1392), when Buddhism was the state religion, and remained strong even during Joseon.

[2] Legend has it that at the time of Tongdosa's founding there were nine evil dragons living in a big pond.

They refused to leave so Jajang-yulsa inscribed the Chinese character for fire on a sheet of paper and tossed it skyward while using his long stick to splash the pond.

The road that meanders up to the temple wanders through a forest called "Pine trees dancing in the wind".

They are the protectors of the world and fighters of evil, each able to command a legion of supernatural creatures to protect the Dharma (Buddhist teachings).

Purimun, the Gate of Non-Duality, is designated South Gyeongsang Provincial Tangible Cultural Property #252.

[11] Tongdosa is one of five temples in Korea, known as Jeokmyeolbogung, which enshrine the relics of the Buddha that Jajang-yulsa returned from China.