Sangwonsa Temple (Chuncheon)

Sangwonsa Temple is a temple located on Samaksan Mountain in Seo-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do. It is said to have been founded during the Three Kingdoms period, in the Silla era, and is a branch temple of Sinhungsa Temple, the head temple of the 3rd Diocese of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. The exact founding date and founder are unknown, but it is traditionally believed to have been established in the Silla period, with no recorded history thereafter. To reach Sangwonsa Temple, visitors must park at the Samaksan ticket booth at the entrance of the Samaksan hiking trail and walk up a steep mountain path for about 30 minutes. The temple grounds are not large, consisting of Daeungjeon Hall, Samseonggak Shrine, a monks' quarters, and a single stone pagoda whose original form is difficult to discern. In front of the temple lies Uiamho Lake, while behind it are rocky cliffs and a dense pine forest, offering outstanding natural scenery. Nearby attractions include Seonsunpokpo Falls, Ongnyeotang (a site associated with a legend of a woodcutter and a fairy), and Samaksanseong Fortress. Although there are no notable cultural heritage items, the scenery around the temple is exceptional. Additionally, in this mountain area, there is Heungguksa Temple, which was founded in the Silla period and is said to have been a hiding place for Gung Ye.

Address: 169-47, Baksa-ro, Seo-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea