Getting to this temple is part of the fun, since the only way to access it is by water. First built in 973, during the reign of Goryeo King Gwang-Jong, parts of the temple were lost during the Korean War. The "revolving" door, which symbolizes the transmigration of souls, and the Geukrakbojeon remain today. Inside the temple is Jinrak-gong, the oldest garden from the Goryeo Dynasty.

There is a legend associated with the temple. It involves a young man who loved a princess. He was killed and was reincarnated as a snake, which stuck itself to the princess and would not leave her. The princess came to the temple to pray to make the snake let go. After holding a ceremony, the snake finally left and she had the three-level pagoda built here above the Guseong Waterfall before returning to her kingdom. The pagoda, which still stands today, is called the Gongju Pagoda (gongju means "princess" in Korean).

To get to the temple, you must catch a short boat ride (accessible from the top of Soyang Dam). Once you get off the boat, you pay an entrance fee to the island and the small Guseon Waterfall, which is on the scenic path on the way to the temple. Then, you'll have to pay another admission fee at the entrance to the temple.