Seonamsa Temple, Suncheon

Seonamsa Temple has two founding traditions: that it was established as Biroam Hermitage by the monk Ado during the Silla period, and that it was founded by State Preceptor Doseon. It was rebuilt in the Goryeo period by State Preceptor Daegak Uicheon, becoming the central temple for the spread of the Cheontae Buddhist order. Within its grounds are fourteen Treasures, including the stupa at Daegagam Hermitage, Seonamsa Temple, Suncheon, believed to be the stupa of State Preceptor Daegak, along with numerous other important items of cultural heritage scattered throughout the site, giving it great historical and academic value. The temple also shows how Korea's diverse Buddhist beliefs were absorbed within the grounds of a mountain monastery, a fact well preserved in its historic structures, halls, relics and documents. The intangible and historical aspects of Korean Buddhism can be traced in its continuing traditions, including the temple's self-sufficient management, the education of monks, and the coexistence of spiritual practice and doctrinal study that characterises Korean Seon Buddhism. Despite the damage caused by suppression and warfare during the Joseon period, the temple has been recognised as a sacred place that remains to this day a living centre of faith and everyday religious practice, and in 2018 it was inscribed on the World Heritage list together with Tongdosa Temple, Buseoksa Temple, Bongjeongsa Temple, Beopjusa Temple, Magoksa Temple and Daeheungsa Temple, under the title 'Sansa, Buddhist Mountain Monasteries in Korea.'

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Suncheon, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Historic Site · 사적