Cheonggyesa Temple (Gyeonggi)

Cheonggyesa Temple, located at the foot of Taebong Peak on the southern side of Cheonggyesan Mountain, is a temple that became a major topic of conversation when an udumbara flower bloomed on a Buddha statue. Cheonggyesa is a branch temple of Yongjusa Temple, the head temple of the Second Diocese of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It is presumed to have been founded during the Unified Silla period, and was rebuilt in 1284 (the 10th year of King Chungnyeol of Goryeo) by Jo In-gyu, the Duke of Pyeongyang and a powerful figure of the time. His descendants continued to rebuild it over the next 500 years. In October 2000, the legendary udumbara flower, said to bloom only in places of strong spiritual power, appeared, causing a stir. The udumbara at Cheonggyesa, also called yeongseohwa because its blooming is believed to herald glorious and auspicious events, produced 21 blossoms on the Buddha's eyebrows. This sight can now be seen in photographs. Additionally, a giant reclining Buddha statue made from small pebbles is a landmark of Cheonggyesa. The temple houses the Bronze Bell of Cheonggyesa Temple in Uiwang, designated as a Treasure, cast in 1701 by the monk Sainbiga during the reign of King Sukjong of Joseon. Numerous artifacts, including Cheonggyesa Woodblocks, Cheonggyesa Guardian Painting, Cheonggyesa Temple Historical Monument Stele, Amitabha Buddha Preaching Painting, and Vairocana Triad Hanging Painting, are designated as Gyeonggi Province Tangible Cultural Heritage. The temple grounds include about ten buildings such as Manse-ru, Seolbeop-jeon, Geungnakbo-jeon, Jijang-jeon, and Samseong-gak, and also operate a small coffee shop.

It is fine to drive up to Cheonggyesa, but the path leading up features a small valley, rest areas, an infant ecological park, and well-maintained walking trails through Cheonggyesan Malgeunsup Park, making it a good light trekking option after parking at Cheonggyesan Public Parking Lot. It takes about 12 minutes from Bukcheonggye IC and about 17 minutes by car from Indeogwon Station on Line 4, with a direct bus from the station to Cheonggyesan Public Parking Lot. Nearby attractions include Baegun Lake, Lotte Premium Outlet Time Villas, Barasan Natural Recreation Forest, as well as Cheonggyesan Mountain, Gwanaksan Mountain, Gwanggyosan Mountain, Anyang Art Park, Seoul Land, Seoul Grand Park, National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Gwacheon National Science Museum, and LetsRun Park Seoul.