Sudeoksa, Buddhist temple in Yesan County, South Korea

Sudeoksa is a Buddhist temple situated on the southern slopes of Deoksungsan in South Chungcheong Province. The complex spreads across multiple buildings arranged on the hillside, with traditional structures and gardens integrated into the landscape.

The main hall was built in 1308 during the Goryeo Dynasty and stands as South Korea's oldest wooden structure. This early construction demonstrates important developments in Korean temple architecture of that era.

The temple functions as a major Buddhist training center where monks pursue meditation and monastic life daily, and visitors can observe these practices firsthand. The layout and use of spaces reflect how the Jogye Order structures its spiritual community.

Visitors can join the Temple Stay Program, which offers formal meals, meditation sessions, and traditional tea ceremonies with the resident monks. This experience provides insight into the daily rhythm of monastic life.

The temple keeps a geomungo, a six-string zither, said to have belonged to King Gongmin of Goryeo. Prince Yi Gang, second son of King Gojong, gave it to Master Mangong. It bears the inscription "King Gongmin's Lute," carved by Yi Jo-muk, and a poem by Mangong.