The temple was founded in 722 AD during the Unified Silla period by monks Sambeop and Daebi.
It is historically significant as the place where Buddhist monk Daeseung Daebi brought the first tea seeds from Tang Dynasty China.
The Jingam Seonsa Stele, a National Treasure, honors the monk who promoted tea culture in the region.
The name 'Ssanggyesa' translates literally to 'Twin Streams Temple', referencing the two creeks that meet near the site.
The entrance gate, the Iljumun, is noted for its intricate woodwork and is designated as a significant cultural asset.
Tea fields near the temple continue to use traditional hand-picking methods for Hadong green tea.
The temple's location is a primary site for the annual Hadong Wild Tea Culture Festival.
Ssanggyesa Temple is a historic Buddhist site located at the foot of Jirisan Mountain, famous for its association with the introduction of tea cultivation to Korea. The temple complex is approached by a renowned cherry blossom-lined path known as the 'Ten-Mile Cherry Blossom Road'. It serves as a branch temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. The site houses multiple national treasures, including the Ssanggyesa Temple Jingam Seonsa Pagoda Stele. Its architecture is integrated into the forested valley landscape, emphasizing traditional wooden construction techniques. The surrounding area remains the heart of the Hadong tea industry, featuring historic tea plantations. Visitors encounter a massive octagonal nine-story pagoda in the courtyard. The temple layout spans various levels of the hillside terrain.
The view of the temple's main prayer hall framed by the surrounding forest canopy from the lower stone steps.
Wear comfortable, non-slip walking shoes to navigate the stone staircases and hilly terrain.
Visit the small tea house located within the temple grounds to sample locally grown Hadong tea.
Respect the temple grounds by keeping noise levels low, as it remains an active place of worship.
Avoid visiting during peak cherry blossom weekends if you prefer solitude, as the access road becomes heavily congested with vehicle traffic.
Dress modestly, remove hats when entering prayer halls, and avoid stepping on the wooden thresholds of buildings.
