Cheongryeonsa | Attraction Guide | K-Travel Mate

Cheongryeonsa was founded in the 2nd year of King Heungdeok of Silla (827) on Jongnamsan in Hawangsimni-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul. Originally called 'Anjeongsa (安靜寺 or 安定寺),' it meant to bring peace to the people and strengthen the country. In the 4th year of King Taejo of Joseon (1395), Great Monk Muhak, the royal teacher, resided here and restored it. During the prayer ceremony for the restoration, a blue lotus bloomed on the pond in front of the temple, which was seen as an auspicious sign, leading Muhak to rename it 'Cheongryeonsa.' Since then, the temple experienced several reconstructions, scripture printings, and Buddhist painting creations. Damaged during the Korean War, it was reorganized by Monk Deokbong, serving as a temple for national protection while guiding disciples. In the early 2000s, the then head monk Baekwoo, a Dharma heir of Taegobo, decided to relocate the temple to preserve Muhak's legacy. After searching for a site, it was moved to the foothills of Gaemyeongsan in Jangheung-myeon, Yangju-si, and completed in 2010, marking the eighth restoration since its founding.