Cheongpyeong Temple

Cheongpyeong Temple

Cheongpyeong Temple became known after the opening of the Soyangho Lake waterway. The temple is located on the southern foothills of Mount Oeifsan, a 30-minute walk from the dock. Originally built in 973 during the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392) under King Gwangjong’s reign (949–975) by Monk Seung-hyeon, the temple has undergone several demolitions and reconstructions.

Due to the Korean War, structures such as the Nine Light Hall and Four Saints Hall of Cheongpyeong Temple were burned down. However, the temple's Samsara Gate (Treasure No. 164), symbolizing the cycle of rebirth, and the Geukrak Treasure Pagoda have been preserved. Nearby, you can find the Nine Sound Waterfall, which produces nine different tones, and the clear-flowing Cheongpyeong Temple Waterfall. The Nine Sound Waterfall cascades down from a straight, large rock by the roadside. Beyond the waterfall lies “Shadow Pond,” an artificial lotus pond created by Lee Ja-hyun.

The pond features three large stacked rocks with reeds planted among them, designed to resemble Mount Oeifsan. Past Shadow Pond is Cheongpyeong Temple. The path to the temple offers views of continuous woodlands and a clear valley, making it perfect for a stroll. There is also a legend associated with the temple’s three-story stone pagoda.

Legend has it that a young man who fell in love with a princess from China’s Tang Dynasty was killed and reincarnated as a snake that constantly haunted her. The princess, who prayed everywhere, one day visited Cheongpyeong Temple to pray, and the snake left her. She then built a three-story stone pagoda over the Nine Sound Waterfall. This pagoda, which still stands in its original place, is also called the Princess Pagoda.

Inside Cheongpyeong Temple lies the oldest Goryeo-style garden built by Jeongnakgong (Lee Ja-hyun). The garden features neatly stacked stone terraces and channels water from a nearby stream. It predates the karesansui (dry landscape) garden style of Kyoto’s Saihō-ji Temple in Japan by over 200 years.

Directions: 1. Take bus No. 12-1 from Chuncheon Station, get off in front of Namchuncheon Station, transfer to city bus No. 11 (via the suburban bus terminal), and get off at Soyang Dam — a 30-minute ride. Alternatively, take direct bus No. 10 from Gangchon to Soyang Dam (via the suburban bus terminal). 2. Take a taxi from Chuncheon Station to Soyang Dam, about 20 minutes. 3. It takes 35–40 minutes on foot from Soyang Dam to Cheongpyeong Temple.

Ticket Information: Adults (20 and over) 2,000 KRW; Youth (ages 14–19) 1,400 KRW; Children (under 13) 900 KRW

Cheongsong, South Korea