Looking down on the Hangang River standing alongside clouds

Buddhist temple commanding the best view in Asia

Sujongsa Temple is located on the hillside of Ungilsan Mountain, which is 606 meters high. There is a paved road leading to Iljumun Gate (first gate at the entrance to the temple) but it is narrow and steep. Both people and cars climb the hill panting heavily. After turning several corners, you are still on the way to the temple. Iljumun with a signboard reading "Ungilsan Sujongsa" finally reveals itself; however, you have not arrived at the temple yet. After walking for a while, you reach the second gate, Pyeongimun Gate. At the end of high and steep stone stairs that you climb step by step, the buildings of the temple welcome you. From the front yard of the temple, a wide view of Dumulmeori and the Hangang River spreads southwards as a picture. In front of all the visitors gasping for breath or taking pictures uttering exclamations, the river remains aloof, running deep and calm. King Sejo of the Joseon Dynasty who had this temple constructed and named it might have also watched this scenery. Was he also amazed by the quiet dignity of the river?

Sujongsa Temple is known as the place where Buddhist Master Choui, who has been revered as a daseon (master of tea) enjoyed teatime with Jeong Yak-yong, admiring the scenery of the Hangang River. There is a teahouse named "Samjeongheon" in the front yard of the temple. Sujongsa is always crowded with tourists and photographers but inside Samjeongheon is always quiet. The teahouse provides all visitors with a cup of tea for free but remember to leave your baggage and troubled mind outside.

Sujongsa Temple was designated as Scenic Site No. 109 of Korea. Seo Geo-jeong (1420~1488), a renowned writer of the early Joseon era, praised that the temple has the most beautiful view of all Asian Buddhist temples, comparing it to "a palace on the clouds." The trail connecting Ungilsan Station, the top of the mountain, and Sujongsa Temple is about 2 km in length. The mountain is not so high, but it would be a difficult course for novice climbers. Normally, the travel time is about one and a half to two hours.

<Copyright(c)2002 GGC All rights reserved.>