Sujongsa Temple

Sujongsa Temple is a branch temple of Bongseonsa, located near the summit of Ungilsan Mountain in Songchon-ri, Joan-myeon, Namyangju. This temple is a renowned site praised by Seo Geo-jeong as having the best view among all temples in the East, offering a panoramic view of the confluence of the Bukhangang and Namhangang Rivers at Yangsuri, as well as the surrounding mountains. Sujongsa Temple is said to have been first built during the Silla period, but its detailed history is unknown, and there is an anecdote related to King Sejo of Joseon. According to the legend, while King Sejo was returning from Gangwon-do for treatment of a chronic illness and staying overnight at Yangsuri, he followed the sound of a faint bell and found 18 arhat statues in a hermitage, where water droplets falling from a rock crevice produced the bell sound. Thus, King Sejo enshrined the 18 arhats, built the temple, and named it Sujongsa. However, the presence of the stupa of Princess Jeongui, King Sejo's aunt, indicates that the temple was already of considerable size before that. Existing buildings include Daeungbojeon, Eungjinjeon, Yaksajeon, Sansingak, Jonggak, Gyeonghakwon, and Yosa. Important cultural properties include the relics inside the Sujongsa Temple Stupa and the Five-story Stone Pagoda of Sujongsa Temple, both designated as Treasures. Within the temple grounds, there is a large ginkgo tree over 500 years old said to have been bestowed by King Sejo. The scenery is outstanding in all four seasons, but the autumn foliage season is particularly known for its spectacular views. From the Sujongsa Temple parking lot to the temple, it is 400 meters, taking about 15 minutes on foot.