Cheongnyangsa (Seoul)

Cheongnyangsa is a bhikkhuni temple located on the southern foot of Cheonjangsan Mountain. This is the famous Dolkkot-i Seungbang, known from ancient times as one of the four great bhikkhuni temples. Originally, Cheongnyangsa and Dolkkot-i Seungbang were separate temples, but after Empress Myeongseong was assassinated in 1895 due to the Japanese imperialist scheme to colonize Joseon, Hongneung, the royal tomb of the empress, was established. As a result, Cheongnyangsa, which was originally on the site of Hongneung, was moved to its current location. At the same time, Dolkkot-i Seungbang was in decline, and the two temples were merged. In the late Joseon period, it was a popular resort for Seoul citizens, and during the Japanese colonial period, when the country was in hardship, it was frequently visited by many patriots and eminent monks. Notably, Manhae Han Yong-un, a leading figure in the independence movement and Buddhist movement during the Japanese colonial period, once stayed at Cheongnyangsa, and on July 12, 1939, a modest celebration for his 60th birthday was held here. Around the same time, Buddhist scholar Park Han-yeong also resided at this temple, and the calligraphy on the Cheongnyangsa plaque hanging in the main hall is said to be by Park Han-yeong. Upon entering the temple gate, the Gwaneumjeon (Avalokitesvara Hall) appears immediately, with high-rise apartments visible behind it. Perhaps because it is located in a residential area, Cheongnyangsa operates a daycare center and has a playground for children. The oldest building in Cheongnyangsa, Geungnakbojeon (Paradise Hall), has a small stupa-like finial on the center of its roof. Due to the temple's location on a slope, the buildings are compactly constructed in a multi-story structure. Although small, it features Gwaneumjeon, Muryangsujeon, Daeungjeon, Daebangchae, Seolseondang, and Jeokmukdang, maintaining the appearance of a temple.