Cheongnyang Temple (Seoul)

About this place

Cheongnyang Temple is a bhikkhuni (Buddhist nun) training center on the southern slope of Cheongjangsan Mountain. It is historically known as the 'Dolkkoji Nunnery,' one of the four great bhikkhuni hermitages. Originally separate temples, they merged when the tomb of Empress Myeongseong (Queen Min) was established after her assassination in 1895, forcing the relocation of the original Cheongnyang Temple. During the Joseon Dynasty, it was a popular retreat for Seoul residents. During the Japanese colonial period, many patriotic activists and eminent monks frequented here, and particularly, Manhae Han Yong-un, a pioneer of the independence movement and Buddhist reform, resided here for a time. On July 12, 1939, a small birthday celebration was held at Cheongnyang Temple for Han Yong-un's sixtieth birthday. The temple features a Gwaneum Hall and, though small, has all traditional temple buildings including a Geungnakbojeon, Gwaneum Hall, Muryangsu Hall, Daeungjeon, and Daebangchae.