Songgyesa Temple

Songgyesa is a temple surrounded by a clear mountain stream and dense forest at the foot of northern Deogyusan, and serves as a branch temple of Haeinsa, the head temple of the 12th district of the Jogye Order.

In 652 (the 6th year of Queen Jindeok's reign), the monks Wonhyo and Uisang founded Yeongchwisa and built five hermitages around it — one of which was named Songgyeam. Many eminent monks are said to have trained at this temple over the years.

During the Japanese invasions of the 1590s, Yeongchwisa and all five hermitages burned down and fell into ruin; during King Sukjong's reign, the monk Jinmyeong rebuilt only Songgyeam. It was burned down again during the Korean War, and rebuilt once more in 1969 by the monk Seungmin, giving it its present form. In 1995, the monk Wonjeong repaired Yeongchwiru hall after it had begun to lean.

Having been destroyed by war twice and rebuilt each time, this quiet mountain temple carries a persistent history of rebuilding just beneath its peaceful surface.