Bongjeongam Hermitage鳳頂庵

Bongjeongam is a temple located within Seoraksan National Park, an annex hermitage of Baekdamsa Temple in Nae-Seorak, situated at Madeungnyeong Pass, the highest point in Seoraksan. It is one of the five Great Jeokmyeolbogungs that enshrine the true sarira of Sakyamuni Buddha, a sacred site visited by many Buddhist faithful, and was founded in the 13th year of Queen Seondeok's reign by Jajang Yulsa, an eminent monk of Silla. It has been rebuilt multiple times, including by Master Wonhyo during the Unified Silla period and by Jinul during the Goryeo period, bringing it to its present state. The name Bongjeongam is said to have originated from a legend where a phoenix disappeared into the Buddha's forehead. Located at an altitude of 1,244 meters, its surrounding scenery is beautiful, and it possesses cultural heritage items such as a Five-story Stone Pagoda, Jeokmyeolbogung, and Sanryeonggak. The main dharma hall, called Jeokmyeolbogung, was originally located below the Five-story Stone Pagoda, but a new dharma hall was built and moved to the opposite hill, from where the stone pagoda is visible. To visit Bongjeongam, one must start from Baekdamsa Temple, pass through Yeongsiam Hermitage and Gugokdam Waterfall, and walk for over 4 hours and 30 minutes to reach Bongjeongam. Templestays are possible at Bongjeongam, and accommodation is also available in the monastic residences. Because it is located deep in the mountains, requiring more than half a day's walk from Baekdamsa to reach it, Bongjeongam has several large and small monastic residences for devotees to stay overnight. A well-known hiking course to Daecheongbong Peak in Seoraksan is the circular route: Baekdamsa - Yeongsiam - Oseam - Bongjeongam - Socheong - Jungcheong - Daecheong - Bongjeongam - Ssangyongpokpo - Baekdamsa. As one ascends to Bongjeongam, one can witness heavenly landscapes such as Gwongeumseong Fortress and the sea of clouds in Nae-Seorak, and enjoy the beauty of Seorak throughout the four seasons, including Cheondangpokpo and Cheonbuldong Valley.