Korean Temple Monasteries (Sansa) Route

Visit order

1. 1

   Heritage site

   Magoksa Temple in Gongju

   966, Magoksa-ro, Sagok-myeon, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do

   Stamp: In front of the five-story stone pagoda (near the Templestay office)

   As the nickname 'Spring Magok' suggests, Taehwasan Mountain, where Magoksa Temple is located, is renowned for the beauty of its trees and spring flowers that come to life in the spring sunlight. There are two different records about the founding of Magoksa Temple on Taehwasan Mountain. According to the "Taehwasan Magoksa Sajeok Iban" (1851), it was founded by Jajang Yulsa after returning from the Tang Dynasty in China with the support of Queen Seondeok, and it underwent five major renovations. Another record, the "Seongyo Yangjong Daebonsan Magoksa Yeongil Yakcho," states that "Bojo Seonsa Chejing founded Magoksa Temple, and later, Beomil Guksa and Doseon Guksa expanded and renovated it." Magoksa Temple, famous for its stunning scenery and annual Greenery Festival in spring, is divided into two areas by a stream. One side, Namwon, is a meditation area, and the other side, Bukwon, is for worship. Yeongsanjeon Hall, the representative hall of Namwon and the center of the meditation area, is the oldest building in Magoksa Temple. 'Yeongsan' is an abbreviation of Yeongchuksan, where Buddha gave sermons, and Yeongsanjeon is the space that brings this mountain into the temple. The representative hall of Bukwon, Daegungjeon Hall in Magoksa Temple, retains its original form. It is a hall that houses the Buddha and murals depicting his life, known as Palsangdo, and is also called Cheonbuljeon because it enshrines a thousand Buddhas. It was rebuilt by Gaksun Daesa during the Joseon Dynasty (1651) and is the oldest building in Magoksa Temple, located to the west of Haetalmun Gate. The five-story stone pagoda in Magoksa Temple, which gives a different impression compared to other stone pagodas in Korea, should not be missed. This relic, resembling a Lama Pagoda, is a representative example of the Lamaist culture introduced through exchanges with the Yuan Dynasty in the late Goryeo period. Additionally, Magoksa Temple is famous for its lineage of painter monks, to the extent that it is called 'Nambang Hwaso,' and has produced numerous painter monks over the generations. To this day, a Buddhist memorial ceremony called Bulmodaryejae is held to honor these painter monks.

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2. 2

   Heritage site

   Beopjusa Temple, Boeun

   405 Beopjusa-ro, Sokrisan-myeon, Boeun-gun, Chungbuk

   Stamp: Beopjusa Cultural Interpreter's House

   Beopjusa Temple, located in Sokrisan, was founded in 553 AD (14th year of King Jinheung's reign) by the monk Uisin during the Silla Dynasty. As a cradle of Maitreya faith, Beopjusa houses many treasures from the Unified Silla period, including the Boeun Beopjusa Twin Lion Stone Lantern, the stone pond Boeun Beopjusa Seoknyeonji, and the Boeun Beopjusa Palsangjeon, the only remaining five-story wooden pagoda in Korea. Notably, the Daeungbojeon Hall of Boeun Beopjusa is considered one of the three great Buddhist halls, along with the Muryangsujeon Hall of Buseoksa Temple and the Gakhwangjeon Hall of Hwaeomsa Temple in Gurye. Boeun Beopjusa Twin Lion Stone Lantern Located between the Daeungjeon Hall and Palsangjeon Hall of Beopjusa Temple, this stone lantern is the oldest stone sculpture featuring lions. Instead of the typical octagonal pillars from the Unified Silla period, this unique lantern is supported by two carved lions. It is considered one of the representative works of Unified Silla stone lanterns, along with the Sacheonwang Stone Lantern of Beopjusa Temple. Boeun Beopjusa Seoknyeonji This small stone pond, said to have floated lotus flowers, symbolizes the Pure Land in Buddhism. Various lotus-inspired designs can be seen throughout the temple. The columns on the upper rail of the entrance resemble those of the stone railing pillars of the Dabotap Pagoda in Bulguksa Temple, preserving an ancient aesthetic. Boeun Beopjusa Palsangjeon The only remaining five-story wooden pagoda in Korea, the current structure was rebuilt after the Japanese invasions of Korea and renovated in 1968. It is named Palsangjeon after the Palsangdo (paintings depicting the eight scenes from the life of Buddha) that adorn its walls.

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3. 3

   Heritage site

   Seonamsa Temple, Suncheon

   450 Seonamsa-gil, Seungju-eup, Suncheon-si, Jeonnam

   Stamp: Seonamsa Tourist Information Center, Seonamsa Office (8AM - 5PM)

   Seonamsa Temple, founded during the Unified Silla period, underwent significant renovations by the great Goryeo monk Uicheon and has since been rebuilt multiple times. The temple, blending harmoniously with its beautiful surroundings, boasts various treasures such as the Seungseon Bridge, reminiscent of a grand rainbow, the ornate and decorative Daeungjeon Hall, the East and West Three-story Stone Pagodas preserving the style of Silla stone pagodas, and the unique 33 Zen Masters Portrait of Suncheon Seonamsa, the only existing one in Korea. Seonamsa Seungseon Bridge Upon entering the temple grounds past the stupa, one must cross a stream via the Seungseon Bridge. This bridge, built during the reconstruction of Seonamsa after it was burned down during the Japanese invasions, dates back to 1698 (24th year of King Sukjong’s reign). Legend says that the Great Monk of Hoam, who prayed to see the Bodhisattva of Compassion but failed, was saved from jumping off a cliff by a woman revealed to be the Bodhisattva herself. In gratitude, he built the Wontongjeon Hall and the rainbow bridge at the temple entrance. Seonamsa Daeungjeon Hall The Daeungjeon Hall, housing the Sakyamuni Buddha, is the central hall of Seonamsa. Originally burned down during the Japanese invasions in 1597, it was rebuilt in 1660 (1st year of King Hyeonjong's reign), then again after another fire in 1766 (42nd year of King Yeongjo's reign) to its current form in 1824 (24th year of King Sunjo's reign). Despite following the typical Dapo style, its splendid architecture and decorative elements reflect the reconstruction styles of the late Joseon period, holding significant academic and historical value. Seonamsa East and West Three-story Stone Pagodas Beyond Seungseon Bridge in the courtyard in front of the Daeungjeon Hall, two three-story stone pagodas stand on either side. Each pagoda, erected on a two-tier base, exemplifies the balanced and elegant proportions typical of Silla stone pagodas, preserving the traditional style. Seonamsa 33 Zen Masters Portrait This unique artwork, based on the “Jodangjip” (a Buddhist text recording the history and biographies of Zen masters from China and Korea), depicts 33 Zen masters from the revered Kashyapa to the Sixth Patriarch Huineng of China. Originally composed of 11 panels, only 7 remain today. Painted in 1753 by five monk painters including Eun-gi, it follows the style of the mid-18th century Buddhist painter Uigyeom, known for integrating ink painting techniques. Its rarity and exceptional composition and brushwork make it an invaluable treasure. Ancient Plum Trees at Seonamsa Seonamsa is home to the oldest native plum trees in Korea. The white plum tree behind Wontongjeon Hall, aged 620 years, and the red plum tree along the stone wall path of Muwoojeon Hall, aged 550 years, are both designated as Natural Monuments No. 488. These trees are believed to have been planted by the great monk Uicheon during the Goryeo period alongside the wild pine in front of Samsungak Hall.

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4. 4

   Heritage site

   Songgwangsa Temple, Suncheon

   100 Songgwangsaan-gil, Songgwang-myeon, Suncheon-si, Jeonnam

   Stamp: Songgwangsa Tourist Information Center

   Songgwangsa Temple, known as a "Sangha Jewel" temple for producing 16 national preceptors (Guksa), was founded at the end of the Silla period. It gained prominence during the Goryeo period when National Preceptor Bojo Jinul led a purification movement in Korean Buddhism, significantly expanding the temple. Songgwangsa preserves numerous cultural heritages, including the Portrait Hall of the 16 National Preceptors, the Hwaeomgyeong Byeonsangdo depicting the teachings of the Avatamsaka Sutra, and the intricately carved Wooden Triad Buddha Shrine. It is regarded as one of Korea's Three Jewel Temples, along with Tongdosa in Yangsan and Haeinsa in Hapcheon. Songgwangsa Portrait Hall of the 16 National Preceptors This hall houses the portraits of 16 eminent monks who have brought honor to the nation, celebrating their virtues. Initially a meditation hall, its architectural style reflects the early Joseon period. Believed to have been constructed around the same time as Songgwangsa's Hasadang Hall (a national treasure), it is a significant structure showcasing the mid-Joseon period Jusimpo style with its simple and modest design. Songgwangsa Hwaeomgyeong Byeonsangdo This illustrated depiction of the "Seven Places and Nine Assemblies" from the Avatamsaka Sutra is of significant historical value due to its faithful and effective representation of the teachings. The planned and structured composition, use of red, green, and gold on an ochre background, and the incorporation of relief techniques in the adornments of Bodhisattva Nosana Buddha reflect the vibrant and ornate tendencies of 18th-century Buddhist paintings. Songgwangsa Wooden Triad Buddha Shrine A Buddha shrine, or Bulgak, is a small structure made to enshrine a Buddha statue, crafted from wood, stone, or metal. These shrines provide insights into the architectural styles of their times in addition to the styles of the statues they enshrine. The Wooden Triad Buddha Shrine at Songgwangsa, although small, is highly detailed and meticulously crafted, demonstrating exceptional sculptural techniques. It is considered a rare exampleAMong the surviving shrines in Korea. Songgwangsa is home to a pair of ancient juniper trees, designated as Natural Monument, estimated to be around 800 years old. Standing about 12 meters tall, the two trees grow side by side with their trunks twisted intriguingly. According to legend, National Preceptors Bojo and Damdang planted their juniper walking staffs here upon returning from China, which then took root and grew into trees. The intertwined appearance of the trees is said to symbolize the respectful relationship between the teacher and his disciple, with one tree bowing to the other. The juniper trees at Songgwangsa hold both cultural and biological significance, warranting their protection as natural monuments.

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5. 5

   Heritage site

   Bongjeongsa Temple, Andong

   222 Bongjeongsagil, Seohu-myeon, Andong-si, Gyeongbuk

   Stamp: Bongjeongsa Information Center

   Bongjeongsa Temple, located halfway up Cheondeungsan Mountain, gets its name from the legend of a lantern descending from the sky. Founded during the Silla Dynasty, it is renowned for housing the oldest wooden building in Korea, the Geungnakjeon Hall. Bongjeongsa Temple, nestled on Cheondeungsan Mountain, was established in 672 AD (the 12th year of King Munmu's reign) by Neungin Daesa, a disciple of the great monk Uisang Daesa. The name "Bongjeong" means "where the phoenix stays," signifying a serene and picturesque setting surrounded by lush forests and mountains. The temple complex features the Geungnakjeon Hall, the oldest wooden building in Korea, and the Daeungjeon Hall, each with their own courtyard, embodying the faiths of Sakyamuni andAMitabha respectively. Geungnakjeon Hall of Bongjeongsa Temple in Andong was originally called Daejangjeon but was later renamed. During restoration work in 1972, a roof repair record from 1363 (the 12th year of King Gongmin's reign) was discovered. Given that traditional wooden structures typically require repair 100-150 years after their construction, it is estimated that the hall was built in the early 1200s, making it the oldest wooden building in Korea.

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6. 6

   Heritage site

   Tongdosa Temple, Yangsan

   108 Tongdosaro, Habuk-myeon, Yangsan-si, Gyeongnam

   Stamp: Tongdosa Tourist Information Center

   Tongdosa Temple, one of Korea's three major temples, was established by Jajang Yulsa in the 15th year of Queen Seondeok's reign (646 AD) during the Silla Dynasty. As a Buddha Jewel (Bulbo) temple enshrining the relics of Sakyamuni Buddha, the Tongdosa Daeungjeon (Main Buddha Hall) does not house a Buddha statue. Instead, it enshrines the Buddha's relics in the Geumgang Gyedan (Diamond Precept Platform) located behind the building. The temple preserves numerous beautiful treasures, including the Tongdosa Daeungjeon and Geumgang Gyedan, the Tongdosa Gilt-Bronze Celestial Map depicting constellations with pearls, and the impressive murals of the Tongdosa Yeongsanjeon (Vulture Peak Hall). Tongdosa Daeungjeon and Geumgang Gyedan: The Daeungjeon, a representative building of mid-Joseon architecture, along with the Geumgang Gyedan, which enshrines the Buddha's relics, are significant cultural heritages for their architectural structure and historical importance. The name 'Tongdosa' signifies the attainment of enlightenment through the Geumgang Gyedan and leading sentient beings to paradise through the realization of truth. Tongdosa Gilt-Bronze Celestial Map: The map features constellations from the North Pole to the equatorial region, centered around the northern celestial pole. The map allows for the identification of directions and constellations by touch, suggesting that users could locate stars while observing the sky. The celestial map, adorned with pearl-like jewels emitting faint light, was designed for convenience in star identification and learning, making it a valuable scientific artifact that could be easily carried and used. Tongdosa Yeongsanjeon: As the central building of the lower courtyard (Harojeon) at Tongdosa, Yeongsanjeon is flanked by Geungnakjeon (Hall of Paradise) and Yaksajeon (Medicine Buddha Hall). The arrangement of the Buddha altar, the composition of the wall for murals, and the structure of the ceiling are distinctive features. The upper framework and bracket style exemplify early 18th-century Buddhist architecture, making Yeongsanjeon a crucial resource for the study of Buddhist architectural history and mural art.

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7. 7

   Heritage site

   Buseoksa Temple, Yeongju

   345 Buseoksa-ro, Buseok-myeon, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

   Stamp: Buseoksa Tourist Information Center

   Buseoksa Temple was established in 676 by the Silla monk, Uisang Daesa, centered around the Muryangsujeon Hall, a sacred site of Maitreya worship. Buseoksa is one of the ten temples established by Uisang, known as the 'Hwaeom Ten Temples,' and has been considered the main temple of the Hwaeom school in Korea. Since its founding, it has been preserved by the disciples of Uisang, who passed down his teachings. The temple houses Muryangsujeon Hall, the second oldest wooden building in Korea, after the Geungnakjeon Hall of Bongjeongsa Temple in Andong. Muryangsujeon Hall of Buseoksa Temple: As the main building of Buseoksa, it enshrines theAMitabha Buddha, symbolizing the Western Pure Land. Behind Muryangsujeon is a rock engraved with ‘Buseok (Floating Stone),’ which is associated with a legend from the ‘Song of the High Priest.’ This building is the second oldest wooden structure in Korea, following Geungnakjeon Hall of Bongjeongsa Temple, and is crucial for studying ancient temple architecture. Clay Seated Buddha of Buseoksa Temple: Housed in Muryangsujeon, this clay Buddha statue is the largest and oldest of its kind in Korea. The statue's light-emitting halo, made separately from wood, is adorned with flame patterns along its edges. The head and body halos are circular and intricately decorated with floral patterns, with traces of small Buddha figures once attached to them. Stone Lantern in front of Muryangsujeon Hall of Buseoksa Temple: This stone lantern, from the Unified Silla period, stands before Muryangsujeon Hall and is also known as ‘Gwangmyeongdeung (Light Lantern),’ symbolizing the Buddha's light. Such lanterns are typically placed in front of important structures like the main hall or a pagoda. The lantern consists of a fire chamber stone at its center, supported by a three-tiered pedestal at the bottom and capped with a roof stone and finial at the top.

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8. 8

   Heritage site

   Hapcheon Haeinsa Temple

   122 Haeinsa-gil, Gaya-myeon, Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

   Stamp: Haeinsa General Information Center

   Located on the southwest side of the picturesque Gayasan Mountain, Haeinsa Temple was founded in 802 AD (3rd year of King Aejang) by Venerable Suneung and Venerable Ijeong, disciples of the Silla monk, Uisang. In the early Joseon Dynasty, the Tripitaka Koreana was moved to Haeinsa, establishing the temple as a Dharma treasure temple enshrining the teachings of Buddha. Haeinsa houses many precious heritages, including the Tripitaka Koreana, the oldest and most complete existing version of the Buddhist canon, recognized as a UNESCO Memory of the World, and Janggyeong Panjeon, the world's only structure built specifically to store the Tripitaka woodblocks. Tripitaka Koreana at Haeinsa Temple: The Tripitaka refers to the Buddhist scriptures consisting of three sections: Sutra (teachings), Vinaya (discipline), and Abhidharma (discourse). It is also called the Goryeo Tripitaka, as it was produced during the Goryeo Dynasty, and the Tripitaka Koreana, as it contains approximately 84,000 teachings corresponding to the 84,000 delusions. The woodblocks number around 80,000, thus it is also known as the "Eighty-Thousand Tripitaka." Janggyeong Panjeon at Haeinsa Temple: This structure houses the eighty thousand woodblocks of the Tripitaka Koreana and is the oldest surviving building in Haeinsa. Nestled deep in the mountains, it was untouched during the Imjin War, preserving its original state. This 15th-century architectural marvel is the world's only building designed to store the Tripitaka woodblocks and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 1995.

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9. 9

   Heritage site

   Daeheungsa Temple, Haenam

   400 Daeheungsa-gil, Samsan-myeon, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do

   Stamp: Cultural Interpreter's House (Administrative Office), Daeheungsa Temple

   Nestled in the scenic Duryunsan Mountain, Daeheungsa Temple is a representative temple of national defense, where Seosan Daesa (Great Master Seosan) raised a monk army to repel Japanese invaders during the Imjin War. The temple holds Seosan Daesa’s robe and offering bowl, symbolizing his legacy. The Pyochungsa Shrine within the temple grounds, dedicated to Seosan Daesa and his disciples, was conferred its name by King Jeongjo and stands as a symbol of national defense spirit. The construction of a Confucian-style shrine within the temple grounds is exceedingly rare. Additionally, Iljiam Hermitage, where Monk Choui, who elevated the status of tea through the ‘Dongdasong’ (Eastern Tea Hymn), resided. Monk Choui's interactions with Chusa Kim Jeong-hui and Dasan Jeong Yak-yong are well-known for transcending the boundaries between Buddhism and Confucianism, as well as between the monastic and lay communities. The temple holds significant cultural heritages such as the Seosan Daesa Pagoda, Seosan Daesa Relics, and Bukmireukam Rock-carved Seated Buddha. Seosan Daesa Pagoda at Daeheungsa Temple: Located within the stupa hall at the temple entrance, this octagonal stone pagoda features unique decorative elements not found in other pagodas, making it a significant subject of study. The relics of Seosan Daesa include two items: the royal appointment of Seosan Daesa as the chief commander of monk soldiers (Dochongseop) by King Seonjo during the Imjin War, and the inscription by King Jeongjo honoring Seosan Daesa's loyalty, known as Seosan Daesa Hwaseongdangmyeong. When the Imjin War broke out in the 25th year of King Seonjo's reign (1592), Seosan Daesa received a special royal order and was appointed as the chief commander of monk soldiers for all eight provinces. Despite being 73 years old, he issued a nationwide proclamation and mobilized 1,500 monk soldiers, playing a significant role in the war. In 1794, when Seosan Daesa's portrait was enshrined at Daeheungsa Temple in Haenam, King Jeongjo personally wrote the Seosan Daesa Hwasangdangmyeong and its preface and sent it to Daeheungsa. The content is written on light yellow silk adorned with floral and cloud patterns, and it bears King Jeongjo's seal, 'Hongjae,' symbolizing his authorship. The text commemorates Seosan Daesa's loyalty and patriotic spirit. Bukmireukam Rock-carved Seated Buddha at Daeheungsa Temple: This high-relief carving on a rock face depicts a unique image of a seated Buddha with a gesture of calling the Earth to witness (Bhumisparsha mudra), accompanied by offering figures. The statue is notable for its large size and elegant sculpting technique, making it a rare and outstanding exampleAMong Korean rock-carved Buddhas.

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