Sujong Temple

Sujongsa is a branch temple of Bongseonsa, located near the summit of Ungilsan Mountain in Songchon-ri, Joan-myeon, Namyangju. This temple is an auspicious site that Seo Geo-jeong once highly praised as having the best view among temples in the East, offering a panoramic view of Yangsu-ri where the Bukhangang and Namhangang Rivers merge, as well as the surrounding mountains. Sujongsa is said to have been first built during the Silla Dynasty, though its detailed history is unknown. There is an anecdote associated with King Sejo of the Joseon Dynasty. While King Sejo was returning from Gangwon-do after receiving treatment for a chronic illness, he spent a night in Yangsu-ri. He heard a subtle bell sound, and upon following it, he discovered 18 Arhat statues inside a small grotto, with water droplets falling from a rock crevice creating the ringing sound. According to legend, King Sejo then enshrined the 18 Arhats, built a temple, and named it Sujongsa. However, the fact that the stupa of Princess Jeongui, King Sejo's aunt, remains at the temple indicates that it was already a temple of considerable size even before this time. Existing temple buildings include Daeungbojeon, Eungjinjeon, Yaksajeon, Sansingak, Jonggak, Gyeonghakwon, and Yosa (monks' quarters). Important cultural heritage items include the Artifacts from Sujongsa Stupa and the Five-story Stone Pagoda of Sujongsa, both designated as Treasures. Within the temple grounds stands a magnificent 500-year-old ginkgo tree, said to have been bestowed by King Sejo. While the scenery is outstanding in all four seasons, the autumn landscape, when the fall foliage changes color, is especially known as a spectacular view. From the Sujongsa parking lot, it is a 400-meter walk to the temple, taking approximately 15 minutes.