Seokjongsa Temple in Chungju: A Journey to Tranquility and History
Chungju, Chungbuk
Seokjongsa Temple
July 30, 2025
Words/Photos
Tae Eun-seo
Hello, this is Tae Eun-seo.
Today, I visited Seokjongsa Temple, one of Chungju's most representative temples.
Although it was a hot day, the temple is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from the parking lot, making it easily accessible.
As I approached the temple, the blue sky and open scenery unfolded before me, instantly making me think, 'Ah, I'm so glad I came.'
Feeling the energy of Geumbongsan Mountain under the clear sky made my heart lighter, and I also got the impression that this is a great temple to stay at quietly.
So, let's begin my review of visiting Seokjongsa Temple in Chungju.
Nestled at the foot of Geumbongsan Mountain on the outskirts of Chungju, Seokjongsa Temple belongs to the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and is widely known as an auspicious site where the mountain terrain and energy harmonize.
The temple grounds house various halls, including the Daeungjeon (Main Hall) with five sections in the front and three on the sides, Ohwagak Hall, a bell tower, Geumbong Seonwon meditation hall, Gamnogak Hall, Cheoncheokru Pavilion, Hoemyeongdang Hall, and Wonheungnyo Hall.
Seokjongsa Temple aims to be an open space where not only ordained monks but also laypeople can practice. It operates a temple stay program so that ordinary people can engage in Zen meditation and self-cultivation. It also systematically conveys the Buddha's teachings to Buddhists and the general public through its Buddhist college.
Here, you can find precious cultural properties such as the Sutra of Forty-two Chapters and Incheon Anmok Gwonsang, making it a special place where you can encounter cultural heritage along with faith.
Seokjongsa Temple, located at the base of Geumbongsan Mountain, has been considered a blessed site since ancient times, where you can view Samtaeyukseong, Ishipalseu, the South Pole Star, and the North Pole Star all in one place. Founded at the end of the Silla Dynasty and the beginning of the Goryeo Dynasty, the temple has been a place of prayer and practice for our ancestors for over a thousand years. However, during the anti-Buddhist policies of the late Joseon Dynasty, Magistrate Jo Byeong-ro demolished the temple to build Cheongnyeongheon, a government building in Chungju, leaving only the Five-Story Stone Pagoda to guard the site.
Seokjongsa Temple, which had been completely abandoned after the Japanese colonial period, began its reconstruction about 25 years ago when Master Hyeguk purchased 800 pyeong of orchard. It has now secured approximately 100,000 pyeong of land and has been reborn as a beautiful temple with 18 buildings, including the Daeungjeon, Seonwon, and training center. It is highly regarded for its cultural value among the temples built in modern times.
Walking through the grounds of Seokjongsa Temple, you can see the Three-Story Stone Pagoda of Goryeo, which returned from Japan after about 80 years, located across from the parking lot. The meaning of this pagoda is all the more profound as it has returned to its homeland after spending many years abroad. In addition, the neat and tidy interior of the temple, the elegantly landscaped garden, and the energy of Geumbongsan Mountain, with its unobstructed views in all directions, make visitors feel at ease.
Within the temple grounds, there are various buildings for practice and dharma services, including the Daeungjeon, Geumbong Seonwon, Gamnogak, Seondasil, Cheoncheokru, Bowoldang, Jongmuso, and Seonrimwon.
The words of the abbot written in front of the Daeungjeon remain deeply in the hearts of many.
“Don't just look around the temple grounds and leave,
but leave behind one heavy burden from your heart.
When you bow to the Buddha, leave behind hateful thoughts, resentful feelings, worries, and anxieties.
Awaken your own infinite potential
and fill yourself with hope and confidence before you leave.”
Also, by sitting quietly in the dharma hall
and asking, 'Who am I?'
and examining what emotions are pulling you,
he conveys the teaching that the path will be revealed.
The abbot emphasizes that the world is impermanent and constantly changing,
so do not be bound by the past, do not worry about the future that has not yet come, and only be awake in the present.
Seokjongsa Temple is called the 'best of auspicious sites' and urges visitors to take in the energy of this place. It also conveys the message that since everything in the world is ultimately created by people, do not forget that each person is the protagonist of their own life.
In the clear breeze of Geumbongsan Mountain and the tranquility of the temple grounds,
the poem, “I thought it was the wind that made the petals fall, but it was time,” comes to mind.
As I leave the temple grounds, I leave behind one of the worries in my heart
and make a resolution to live focusing on today.
Travel Tips:
* The Three-Story Stone Pagoda of Goryeo is located across from the parking lot, a recommended photo spot.
* Take time to meditate quietly in the dharma hall and ask, 'Who am I?'
* Feel the tranquility of the temple.
Seokjongsa Temple Travel Information
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Temple Name: Seokjongsa Temple (釋宗寺)
Location: Foothills of Geumbongsan Mountain, Chungju, Chungcheongbuk-do
Affiliation: Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism
Founded: Late Silla ~ Early Goryeo Period
Features: Auspicious site where you can see Samtaeyukseong, Ishipalseu, the South Pole Star, and the North Pole Star in one place
Main Buildings: Daeungjeon, Ohwagak, Bell Tower, Geumbong Seonwon, Gamlogak, Cheoncheokru, Hoemyeongdang, Wonheungnyo
Cultural Properties: Sutra of Forty-two Chapters, Incheon Anmok Gwonsang, Three-Story Stone Pagoda of Goryeo, Five-Story Stone Pagoda
Experience Programs: Temple Stay, Buddhist College, Zen Meditation
Other: Lay practitioners welcome, a place for meditation and healing
Parking: Within 5 minutes
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