Cheongpyeongsa Temple (Chuncheon) 청평사 (춘천)

Cheongpyeong Temple became more widely known with the opening of Soyang Dam and Waterway in 1973. A thirty-minutes walk from the dock, the temple stands on the southern ridge of Obongsan Mountain. It was first built in 973, during the reign of King Gwangjong (949-975) of the Goryeo Dynasty. It had been closed and opened from time to time, but still remains open today.

During the Korean War, Gugwangjeon and Saseongjeon of the temple were damaged, but the Cheongpyeongsa Revolving Door (Treasure No.164), which symbolizes the transmigration of Souls, and Geukrakbojeon remains today. Near Cheongpyeongsa Temple is Cheongpyeongsa Valley, which is known for its clean water and Guseong Waterfall, known to make nine different sounds.

Guseong Waterfall stands right next to the path and the water falls from the upright stone. Beyond the waterfall is an artificial pond 'Yeongji'. In the pond there are three big stones, and between those stones reeds were planted to reflect the pasture of Obongsan Mountain. Walk further down Yeongji pond and Cheongpyeongsa Temple can be seen. The path to Cheongpyongsa Temple is a pretty walkway surrounded by the woods and a clean valley.

The three story stone pagoda of Cheongpyeongsa Temple has a myth attached to it. Once a young man who loved a princess was killed. He was born again as a snake and he stuck to the princess and would not get off her. The princess went to seek help at various famous temples to pray for the snake to leave her. One day she came to Cheongpyeongsa Temple and after the going through the Buddhist ceremony, the snake left her. In gratification, the princess built the 3-story pagoda above Guseong Waterfall and went back to her kingdom. The pagoda still remains today and is called Gongju Pagoda tower, 'gongju' meaning princess in Korean. In Cheongpyeong Temple, there is a garden that is the oldest garden of the Goryeo Dynasty made by Lee Ja-Hyeon. This garden has stones piled up into a trapezoidal shape, and a stream flows between the stone isles.

Individuals – Adults 2,000 won / Students & Military 1,200 won / Children 800 won
Groups (30 people or more) – Adults 1,700 won / Students & Military 1,000 won / Children 500 won

※ Free: Seniors (ages 65 and up) upon presenting an ID card

Ferry (Soyang Dam → Cheongpyeongsa Temple dock)
Round-trip: Adults: 6,000 won / Children: 4,000 won

Compact cars: 1,000 won
Small cars: 2,000 won
Mid-sized vehicles: 4,000 won

Available