Around Sudoksa Temple

Sudoksa Temple

Sudeoksa Temple is a large temple located on the southern foothills of Deoksungsan Mountain (495m) in the Charyeong mountain range, near Deoksan Hot Spring. It serves as the 7th head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, overseeing Jogye Order temples in the Naepo region of Chungcheongnam-do. Founded in the 6th century during the Baekje Dynasty, it boasts a history of nearly 1,500 years and is renowned for its beautiful scenery, designated as the first scenic spot of Yesan-gun. According to a founding legend, a young man fell in love with a maiden who asked him to build a temple as a condition for marriage. After the temple was built, the maiden disappeared when he reached for her hand, revealing herself to be an incarnation of Gwanseumbosal (Avalokiteshvara). Sudeoksa, established with this legend, has undergone several renovations during the Goryeo, Joseon, and Japanese colonial periods to reach its present state. The temple preserves numerous cultural assets from the Baekje Dynasty to the Joseon Dynasty, including the Daeungjeon (Main Hall) designated as a National Treasure, the Nosanabul Gwaebultaeng (Hanging painting of Rocana Buddha) and Myobeop Yeonhwagyeong (Lotus Sutra) designated as Treasures, as well as various cultural assets designated by Chungcheongnam-do, such as a three-story stone pagoda and a seven-story stone pagoda. Additionally, the Geunyeok Seongbogwan houses diverse Buddhist cultural assets. The temple grounds also feature the straw-thatched house where artist Yi Eung-no (1904-1989) engaged in his artistic activities, known as Yi Eung-no's historical site (Sudeoksa Temple Inn), and the Seon Art Museum, which exhibits works by Yi Eung-no and modern/contemporary artists, as well as Buddhist artworks. The temple offers various Templestay programs tailored to different needs and preferences.