Around Bongjeongam

Bongjeongam

Bongjeongam Temple is a temple located within Seoraksan National Park, situated at Madeungnyeong, the highest point in Seoraksan, and is an affiliated hermitage of Baekdamsa Temple in Naeseorak. It is one of the five great Jeokmyeolbogungs (temples enshrining the Buddha's sarira) that houses the true sarira of Shakyamuni Buddha, making it a sacred site visited by many Buddhist devotees. It was founded in the 13th year of Queen Seondeok's reign by the eminent Silla monk, Jajang Yulsa. It has undergone several reconstructions, including by Wonhyo Daesa during the Unified Silla period and Jinul during the Goryeo period, bringing it to its present state. The name Bongjeongam (봉정암) originated from a legend that a phoenix (봉황, Bonghwang) disappeared into the Buddha's forehead (정, Jeong). Located at an altitude of 1,244m, it boasts beautiful surrounding scenery and cultural heritage such as a five-story stone pagoda, Jeokmyeolbogung, and Sanryeonggak. The main Buddha hall, known as Jeokmyeolbogung, was originally located below the five-story stone pagoda, but a new hall was built and moved to the opposite hill where the pagoda is visible. To visit Bongjeongam, one must depart from Baekdamsa Temple, pass Yeongsiam and Gugokdam Waterfall, and walk a long distance for over 4 hours and 30 minutes to reach it. Temple stay programs are available at Bongjeongam, and overnight accommodation is also possible in the monks' quarters. Because it is located deep in the mountains, requiring more than half a day's walk from Baekdamsa Temple, Bongjeongam has several large and small monks' quarters for devotees to stay. A well-known hiking course for Seoraksan Daecheongbong Peak is the round trip route: Baekdamsa - Yeongsiam - Oseam - Bongjeongam - Sochung - Jungchung - Daecheong - Bongjeongam - Ssangyongpokpo - Baekdamsa. While ascending to Bongjeongam, one can see heavenly scenery such as Gwon Geumseong and the sea of clouds in Naeseorak, and enjoy the beauty of Seorak's four seasons at Cheondangpokpo (Heavenly Waterfall) and Cheonbuldong Valley.