Sudosa Temple, Historical Religious Site [PIEF Foreign Reporter]

I know what you're thinking... "Another temple in Korea, Great~" But actually this one has a really interesting history and story attached to it. We don't want to spoil all the interesting things you'll learn while you're there, but it's well worth a short visit to check out the beauty and learn the story involved.

Sudosa Temple Guide Map

Gate protectors of Sudosa Temple

The temple itself is set back in a small rural community off the main road. You really can't even see it until you make the last turn that brings you to an ample parking lot, located at the entrance of this small, quaint, and beautiful temple. This is a perfect site if you only have an hour or so to sightseeing. And yet, if you wanted, you can choose to spend your whole day there. We brought our kids (8 & 14), and they enjoyed the beautiful sites and storytelling.

Ample parking lot, entrance of the temple

Beautiful Temple with Buddha status

The temple has the beauty you've come to expect if you have visited others; with some amazing statues made of marble and wood painted with vibrant colors. There is a stone wall depiction of the story of Won Hyo, who was one of the leading thinkers, writers, and commentators of the Korean Buddhist tradition, whom the temple is centered around.

Interior of the Temple Stone

 

Wall depicting story of Won Hyo

The visitor center of the Won Hyo Enlightenment experience hall is very pleasant with extremely friendly and helpful staff members willing to answer whatever questions you may have along with making reservation for a temple stay experience. Within the facility you will find a video showing the story of Won Hyo, the most eminent scholar-monk in Korean history in both Korean and English subtitles. To get the full experience we highly suggest taking the dark rainy path into the cave to explore the purpose of this particular temple.

Temple stay experience

Won Hyo Enlightenment experience hall

Access Info:

Contact number: 031-682-3169

Experience Hall Operating hours: Tues-Sun, 09:00-18:00

(Closed every Mon, 1/1, Korean traditional New Years, and Korean Thanksgiving day)

Temple stay: 1 night 2 days 70,000won

Temple Life: One day experience 50,000won

Cooking class: up to 12 people 30,000won

Public Transportation: Bus numbers 80 or 98 to Anjung terminal #83

If you have any additional questions Email: sudosa01@hanmail.net

This article is written by Charleen Hull a PIEF Foreign Reporter