Songgwangsa Temple (Photo by Hyemin Lee)
Jogyesan Provincial Park is known as one of top 100 famous mountains of South Korea. The park is home to two significant temples that have been preserved for over 1,000 years.
A visit to one or both temples can guarantee you a deeply therapeutic experience. The trail leading to these ancient temples is peaceful and easy to navigate. Midway through the journey, as you meander through the green forests, you can take a moment to dip your feet into the refreshing waters of the cool stream for some relaxation. The harmonious scene of the majestic forests, stream, and temples creates an atmosphere where you can forget worldly worries and soothe your soul.
Mt. Jogyesan (Photo by Hyemin Lee)
Mt. Jogyesan (Photo by Hyemin Lee)
Songgwangsa Temple
Songgwangsa Temple was built in the late Silla period during the 10th century and is one of the three principal Buddhist temples in Korea.
This temple stands as the center of Korean Buddhist history as it has produced 16 National Masters, or Guksa, which are the highest rank a monk can attain. Many Buddhist practitioners around the world come here to cultivate their minds and participate in their temple stay programs.
Address: 132-2, Sinpyeong-ri, Songgwang-myeon, Suncheon-si, Naver Map
Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Apr. to Oct.) / 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Nov. to Mar.)
Songgwangsa Temple (Photo by Hyemin Lee)
Songgwangsa Temple (Photo by Hyemin Lee)
Songgwangsa Temple (Photo by Hyemin Lee)
Seonamsa Temple
Seonamsa dates to the 6th century and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. In particular, the temple’s Haewuso Hall is a must-visit place which houses many important Buddhist cultural relics.
The temple is also famous for the stunning views of the surrounding landscape, stream and Seungseon Bridge.
Address: 771-9 Jukhak-ri, Seungju-eup, Suncheon-si, Naver Map
Hours: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Seonamsa Temple (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)
Seonamsa Temple (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)
Things to know
Entrance to the temples is free.
Due to the proximity to Nakan Eupseong Folk Village, many travelers include these destinations on the same trip route.
There is a hiking trail that allows you to visit both temples within 2-3 hours. You can start at either temple and follow the trail leading to the other. For more details, ask staff at the entrance of a temple and pick up a map.
Planning to visit only one temple due to limit of time? Try visiting Seonamsa Temple if you’d like to enjoy the landscape of Seungseon Bridge and wild tea. If you want to appreciate a magnificent temple in harmony with nature, head to Songgwangsa temple.
Wild Tea House
Along the way to Seonamsa Temple, stop by the Wild Tea House for a nice cup of tea and traditional snacks in a lush forest setting.
Address: 450-1 Seonamsa-gil, Seungju-eup, Suncheon-si, Naver Map
Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Closed on Mon.)
