A Summer Trip to Gimcheon's Sudosan and Cheongamsa Temple

Sometimes a trip taken alone, to somewhere quiet and secluded, feels especially charming. For those times, the Cheongamsa course is recommended. On Sudosan in Gimcheon, blessed with fine mountains and clean water, there's no trace of summer heat — only the cool sound of flowing water and the natural sounds of the forest, letting you simply be yourself. It's not a lively trip, but perhaps it's in the quiet solitude of traveling alone that you can truly touch the real meaning of travel!

Along the way

1. 1

   Cheongamsa Temple

   청암사

   Cheongamsa Temple was founded in 858 (the 2nd year of King Heonan of Silla) by the monk Doseon. It is said that at the time of its founding, Hyecheol (785–861), founder of the Dongni-san school, one of the Nine Mountain Seon schools, stayed here. The temple burned completely to the ground in a fire in 1647, the 25th year of King Injo of Joseon. When Master Byeogam Seongchong heard the news at Deogyusan, he had his disciple Master Heojeong rebuild Cheongamsa; Heojeong poured his heart into the reconstruction, restoring the temple. This is known as its second major restoration. \nMoreLess

   

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2. 2

   Lunch (Gyeongdong Sanchae Restaurant)

   점심식사(경동산채식당)

   With a tradition of flavor spanning more than 50 years, this restaurant specializes in wild mountain greens (sanchae) cuisine. It buys in wild greens to prepare various raw and seasoned sanchae dishes, with the menu changing by season (spring — greens, autumn — mushrooms). Rice is cooked from Tap Rice brand rice and served to guests. It was designated the first Model Restaurant in 1979 and has also appeared on KBS.MoreLess

   

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3. 3

   Sudosan

   수도산

   Sudosan is a relatively high mountain that forms a watershed divide with Gayasan, and is also known as Buryeongsan or Seollyeongsan. Following the southeast ridge from Sudosan, you pass Danjibong (1,327m) and Moktongnyeong before reaching Gayasan. The Sudosan–Minbongsan–Gayasan ridge traverse runs across an average elevation of 1,200m, its highlands combining forest, grassland, and rocky trails so well that it feels much like traversing Jirisan. The Sudo Valley is a continuous succession of unique scenic views at every bend, and at the foot of the mountain stands Cheongamsa Seunggha College, where Buddhist nuns train. Near the summit is Sudoam Hermitage. \nMoreLess

   

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