Sudeoksa Temple修德寺

Sudeoksa is a large temple located on the southern foothills of Deoksungsan Mountain (495m) in the Charyeongsanmaek mountain range, which rises near Deoksan Hot Springs. Its scale is such that it serves as the head temple of the 7th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, overseeing Jogye Order temples in the Naepo region of Chungcheongnam-do Province. Founded around the 6th century during the Baekje Dynasty, it is an ancient temple boasting a history of nearly 1,500 years and beautiful scenery, so much so that it was selected as the first scenic spot of Yesan County. The founding legend tells of a young man who fell in love with a maiden. Her condition for marriage was that he build a temple. After he built the temple, when he took her hand, she disappeared, and it turned out she was an incarnation of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. Sudeoksa, founded with this legend, has undergone several renovations and repairs during the Goryeo and Joseon Dynasties and the Japanese colonial period, continuing to this day. Many cultural assets from the Baekje to Joseon periods remain here, including Daeungjeon Hall (designated as a National Treasure), the Nosanabul Gwaebultaeng (Hanging Scroll Painting of Rocana Buddha), and the Myobeop Yeonhwagyeong (Lotus Sutra) (both designated as Treasures). Additionally, many cultural assets designated by Chungcheongnam-do Province, such as a three-story stone pagoda and a seven-story stone pagoda, are preserved. Furthermore, various Buddhist cultural assets are housed in the Geunyeok Seongbogwan Museum. The thatched house where artist Lee Ungno (1904–1989) engaged in his art activities, the historic site of Master Lee Ungno (Sudeok Yeogwan), and the Seon Art Museum, which exhibits works by Lee Ungno and modern/contemporary artists as well as Buddhist artworks, are also located within the temple grounds. The Temple Stay program offers various programs tailored to demand and preferences.