Sudosa Temple (Yeongcheon)

About this place

Sudosa is a branch temple of Eunhaesa (the main temple of the 10th district of the Jogye Order). According to tradition, it was co-founded in 647 by the monks Jajang and Wonhyo, though the precise date is unknown; it was originally named Geumdangsa. It was restored in 1296, and in 1805 the monk Jingwol restored it again and renamed it Sudosa. The existing buildings include the main hall (Wontong-jeon), the Sansingak, the main prayer room (keunbang), and residences. The Wontong-jeon enshrines a seated Guanyin (Avalokitesvara) bodhisattva, and behind the statue hang a rear Buddha painting, a Jijang (Ksitigarbha) painting, and a Sinchung (divine guard) painting, with a hanging scroll (gwaebul) also preserved. There was originally a mountain gate (sanmun) as well, but it no longer exists. There is a hiking trail leading to Gwanbong Gatbawi, a sacred site of Medicine Buddha worship, and 1 km up the mountain a three-tiered Chisan Waterfall creates a spectacular scene, attracting many hikers. In 2001, Yeongcheon city developed the area around the temple as the Chisan Tourist Zone.