설화에 따르면 원효는 친구 의상과 함께 불교를 공부하기 위해 당나라 유학길에 올랐다가 깨달음을 얻고 당나라 유학을 포기했다고 한다.
According to legend, Wonhyo was on his way to study in Tang with his friend Uisang when he attained enlightenment, and therefore decided not to go to Tang.