Path Walking Through Time: The Whispers of a Thousand Years and the Hidden Beauty of Gongjaksan Encountered at Sutasa
Throughout a thousand years, there is a hidden story nestled in the deep foothills of Hongcheon, Gangwon-do. That story is not merely etched into the architecture; it seems to breathe in the rustling wind and the sound of the valley stream. What secret, indeed, envelops this serene temple?
Right here, nestled quietly in the foothills of Gongjaksan, Sutasada is more than just a temple; it’s a picturesque space crafted by nature and history. Today, we invite you on a time travel journey to Sutasa, where mysterious nature and deep history come alive.
Beneath the Spreading Peacock Wings, the Hidden Scenery Embraced by the Thousand-Year-Old Temple Sutasa
Gongjaksan, said to resemble a giant lying facing the sky when viewed from Hongcheon-eup. This mountain, reaching an elevation of 887m, boasts a magnificent view where the entire area of Hongcheon-gun can be seen at a glance from its peak, true to its name. It was named ‘Gongjaksan’ because from a distance, it resembles a peacock spreading its wings. Beneath this outstanding mountain range, Sutasa, a temple preserving a thousand years of history, is quietly situated.
Hidden Story: The Connection Between Gongjaksan and Sutasa
- Palette of Four Seasons In spring, vibrant azaleas, and in autumn, colorful foliage, dye the entire mountain. The bizarre rock formations, cliffs, and clusters of old pine trees resembling bonsai are works of art in themselves, and the snow-covered winter mountain also offers an unmissable spectacular view.
- Heart of Hongcheon Sutasa is located at the foot of Gongjaksan, one of Korea’s 100 famous mountains, boasting a harmonious landscape where mountain and temple blend, and is considered the best attraction in the Yeongseo inland region.
As if Time Stood Still, History Told by Sutasa’s Treasures
Sutasa is a historic temple said to have been founded by the great Monk Wonhyo in the 7th year of King Seongdeok’s reign (708 CE) during the Silla dynasty. Over a thousand years, it has embraced countless stories and arrived in the present, with the traces of that time remaining as cultural heritage, speaking to us.
Must-See Traces of Sutasa
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- Daejeokgwangjeon Impressive with its grand hip-and-gable roof, this is the main Dharma hall of Sutasa. Its beautiful architectural aesthetics add to the serene atmosphere of the temple, which has endured for centuries.
- Bronze Bell (Produced in 1364) This bronze bell, crafted during the Goryeo Dynasty, preserves the traces of time and rings clear and pure sounds through the quiet mountain temple. Its sound seems to connect the past and the present.
- Three-Story Stone Pagoda The neatly standing three-story stone pagoda silently testifies to the temple’s history, offering serene beauty.
- Worinseokbo It is a Buddhist scripture published during the reign of King Sejo of Joseon, a cultural heritage of precious value. As one of the many treasures owned by Sutasa, it provides a glimpse into the printing technology and Buddhist culture of that era.
- Hong-U-dang Budo It is a stupa commemorating the practice and lives of monks, an important relic that adds to the spiritual depth of Sutasa.
The Refreshment Flowing Along the Valley, Rest Offered by Sutasa’s Nature
The Sutasa Valley, flowing with the spirit of Gongjaksan, boasts a landscape as beautiful as the temple itself. This valley, stretching approximately 12km from Sutasa to Notcheon-ri, Dongmyeon, forms a spectacular view with its wide rock formations and large pools. On both sides of the valley, bizarre rock formations, cliffs, and dense forests stand guard, and taking a brief rest here, it’s easy to fall into a state of blissful contemplation amidst the spectacular scenery.
How Can You Fully Enjoy the Valley’s Spectacular Scenery?
- Light Trekking The walking trail along the valley is perfect for walking, and purifying mind and body while listening to the sounds of nature.
- A Relaxing Stroll Sit for a moment on the wide rock formations and listen to the sound of the flowing water. You can escape from your busy daily life and feel complete peace.
- Seasonal Changes From the freshness of green summer, the red and yellow autumn foliage, to the serene winter snowscape, enjoying the valley’s beauty as it changes clothes with each season is truly delightful.
The Road to Sutasa, A Guide for Your Journey
The thousand-year-old temple Sutasa is located at 262 Sutasar-o, Dongmyeon, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do. A journey to this place, where the harmony of nature and history stands out, will surely provide special memories.
Sutasa Visiting Guide for Travelers
- Prepare Comfortable Attire It is advisable to prepare comfortable shoes and clothing for valley trekking and temple visits. Be especially careful as the valley rocks can be slippery.
- Choose Your Visiting Season While azaleas in spring and autumn foliage are spectacular, summer is a good choice if you seek the coolness of a lush forest, and winter if you desire a serene snowscape. It offers different charms throughout all four seasons.
- Connect with Nearby Attractions In Hongcheon, there are many places to visit besides Sutasa. Try planning a day trip or a 1-night, 2-day course by connecting with other nearby attractions.
- Photography Etiquette To maintain the quiet and reverent temple atmosphere, it is advisable to refrain from excessive noise or flash photography. Please be mindful not to disturb other worshippers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What historical significance does Sutasa hold?
Sutasa is a thousand-year-old temple said to have been founded by Monk Wonhyo in the 7th year of King Seongdeok’s reign (708 CE) during the Silla dynasty. Located at the foot of Gongjaksan, one of Korea’s 100 famous mountains, it houses numerous cultural assets such as Daejeokgwangjeon, the Bronze Bell, the Three-Story Stone Pagoda, and Worinseokbo, making its historical value immense.
Q2. What are the characteristics of the Sutasa Valley?
Sutasa Valley stretches for approximately 12km, forming a spectacular view with its wide rock formations and large pools. With bizarre rock formations, cliffs, and lush forests on both sides of the valley, it is a perfect place for walking and resting while listening to the refreshing sound of water. Especially in summer, you can fully enjoy its coolness.
Q3. When is the recommended season to visit Sutasa?
While Sutasa is beautiful throughout all four seasons, azaleas in spring and autumn foliage are particularly famous. If you prefer the splendor of spring and the tranquility of autumn, those seasons are recommended. In summer, you can enjoy the cool valley, and in winter, the charm of a snow-covered landscape, ensuring you can create good memories no matter when you visit.
Q4. Are there other places worth visiting around Sutasa?
In the Dongmyeon area of Hongcheon-gun, where Sutasa is located, there are various attractions besides the temple and valley. You can plan a rich travel itinerary by connecting with nearby attractions such as the Hongcheon River, other recreational forests, and markets where you can find Hongcheon-gun’s agricultural specialties.
Q5. What cultural assets are preserved at Sutasa?
At Sutasa, there is the hip-and-gable roof of Daejeokgwangjeon, the bronze bell produced in 1364, and the beautiful three-story stone pagoda. Additionally, several important cultural assets dating back to the Joseon Dynasty are preserved, including the precious Buddhist scripture Worinseokbo and Hong-U-dang Budo, a stupa for monks, making it highly valuable for historical exploration.
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