I parked my car in the lot in front of Iljumun Gate, the temple is still not in sight. Instead, stone stairs continue. The scene was similar to the Himalayas where I went earlier this year. An earthen slope became steps made of stone thanks to someone’s generosity, and I naturally came to feel gratitude as I take one step after another on the stone stairs, thinking that a persons’ heartwarming and considerate mind turned a narrow and steep soil ground of Sujongsa Temple into stone steps. As I moved up comfortably on the flat stones with a grateful heart, I finally arrived at Sujongsa Temple.

The name, “Sujong (水鍾),” stems from a story of King Sejo of Joseon Dynasty who was on his way back from Geumgangsan Mountain to cure a skin disease discovering mineral water, which was falling from a stone cave with a beautiful sound similar to that of a bell. The temple is small but quite a historic one that was rebuilt in 1458, the 4th year of King Sejo’s reign, by the king’s royal order. Located next to Burimun Gate, a ginkgo tree that looks at least 500 years old boasts a magnificent sight like that from a landscape painting. The octagonal five-story stone pagoda, next to Daeungbojeon Hall is also called “Sujongsa Dabotap” and known to be installed when King Sejo commanded reconstruction of the temple (Treasure No. 1808). Palgak Wondanghyung Budo is seated by the stone pagoda.

When standing in the wide open yard next to Samjeongheon, adults and children alike cannot help but utter exclamations upon seeing an almost artistic scenery of Dumulmeori and the mountains erected tall behind Bukhangang River and Namhangang River that come together near the viewpoint. It is not just us in the current generation who are completely immersed in this painting drawn by the nature. Seo Geojeong, a scholar in the early Joseon period, also praised Sujongsa as a temple with the greatest view in the East, and the famous Dasan Jeong Yak-yong also enjoyed tea with Choui Seonsa the monk while taking delight in the beauty of Sujongsa Temple.

At <Samjeongheon>, a teahouse inside the temple, you may have a free cup of tea next to a remarkable view of Bukhangang River below. It does not matter if you have stopped by temporarily en route to Unjongsan Mountain or your destination has been Sujongsa Temple from the beginning; you naturally become wanting to remain here for some time. However, it is prohibited to take photos inside in consideration of those who enjoy the nature and have come to relax.

Written and photos by Kim Sun-joo