Cheonggyesa (Uiwang)

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Cheonggyesa, or Cheonggye Temple, a traditional Buddhist temple in Cheonggye-dong, Uiwang, Gyeonggi-do (Uiwang is a city in Gyeonggi Province, one of many satellite cities that ring Seoul) built during the Silla Kingdom (57 BCE - 935CE), is a branch temple of Yongjusa Temple of the Korean Buddhist Jogye Order.

Jo Ingyu, the Buwongun (governor) of Pyeongyang, renovated the temple in 1284 (Goryeo period). Since then, his descendants have renovated the temple as the memorial temple of his clan. When the temples in the capital city were demolished during the reign of Yeonsangun (10th king of Korea's Joseon Dynasty from 1494 to 1506), and government offices were built, Buddhist temples designated Cheonggyesa as the head temple for the Zen sect. Cheonggyesa was known as the place frequently visited during the late Goryeo period (918 – 1392) to early Joseon period (1392 - 1897) by the literati seeking to write poetry about a temple.

Cheonggyesa is famous for the udumbara flower, a rarity that blooms on Buddhist statues. The temple offers many sights, including the Cheonggyesa Monument, Geukrakbojeon (Hall of Paradise), Beomjonggak (the bell pavilion) housing the Bronze Bell of Cheonggyesa, Samseonggak (shrine for three spirits), Jijangjeon (Ksitigarbha Hall), three temple dormitory buildings, including the Sugak (well), and Gamnoji Pond where there is spring water that never dries up.

The Bronze Bell has been designated as a national treasure #11-7, and is adorned with elaborate patterns, such as the bosanghwamun (floral pattern), four images of Buddha holding a lotus flower stem, and two dragons.

Cheonggyesa is Gyeonggi-do Cultural Heritage Material #6