Seonamsa Temple, Suncheon
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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Address
450 Seonamsa-gil, Seungju-eup, Suncheon-si, Jeonnam
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Contact
+82-61-754-5247
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Visiting Hours
Summer: 6AM - 7:30PM
Spring/Autumn: 7AM - 7PM
Winter: 7AM - 6PM
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Stamp
Seonamsa Tourist Information Center, Seonamsa Office (8AM - 5PM)
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Admission Fee
Free
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Website
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Directions
Get off at KTX Suncheon Station → Take Bus No. 1 (Haeryongdaean/Seonamsa) at Suncheon Station Bus Stop → Get off at Seonamsa Bus Stop Walk for 6 minutes