landmark
Seonamsa
A quiet Buddhist temple on the flank of Jogyesan, approached over Seungseongyo, a 17th-century granite arch bridge that forms a perfect circle with its reflection in the stream.
7 km · about 10 min drive
Jeollanam-do, South Korea · Asia
Songgwang is worth a stop: 15 minutes from Oeseo, 46km from Damyang Juknokwon Bamboo Forest.
Songgwang is a town located in Jeollanam-do, South Korea. With a population of 0, it is an important destination in Asia.
On a road trip, Songgwang sits in South Korea, where you drive on the right. It's in the Asia/Seoul time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Songgwang to your route.
Songgwangsa (Korean: 송광사; Hanja: 松廣寺; translation: Spreading Pine Temple; alternates: Songgwang-sa, or Songgwang Sa, or Songkwangsa; also known as: Piney Expanse Monastery; originally: Gilsangsa), one of the three jewels of Seon Buddhism, is located in South Jeolla Province on Mount Jogye on the Korean Peninsula.Read more
Situated approximately 18 miles (29 km) away from the sea, it is within the Jogyesan Provincial Park.
Founded in 867, it fell into disuse and was reestablished in 1190 by Seon master Jinul. Jinul's meditation teachings evolved from this monastery and contributed significantly to the Seon practice that prevails to this day in Korea. Songgwangsa is considered the "jewel" (Samgharatna) of the Korean monastic community. Though smaller in size, it is considered as the greatest among the trio of Three Jewels Temples representing “the Buddha, the dharma, and the sangha". The other two of the trio, Tongdosa and Haeinsa, are located in South Gyeongsang Province.
This monastery, though under the jurisdiction of the Jogye Order in Seoul, functions as an autonomous body. It controls a network of 49 small branch temples whose abbots are chosen from among the monks of the main monastery and who also enjoy a fair degree of independence as long as they function as independent economic units without depending on the main monastery. It currently serves as the head temple for the 21st district of the Jogye Order among the 25 head monasteries of the order. Songgwangsa, one of the oldest Seon temples in Korea, is still very active today as a practice center.
Over the centuries, it has been rebuilt many times and is now fully restored. As it has been the residence of many monks, the monastery has an assortment of stele and pagodas which contain the ashes of many monks. One of the oldest living quarters in Korea is located at Songgwangsa, as well as an International Seon Center that is popular with foreigners who seek the experience of living in a Seon temple. Koryo Sa, the first foreign branch of Songgwangsa, was established in Koreatown, Los Angeles, California, US in 1980 by Kusan Sunim.
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Songgwang offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Songgwang is located in Jeollanam-do, South Korea, Asia. The coordinates are 34.9750 latitude, 127.2638 longitude.
Songgwang has a population of approximately 0 people, making it a town in South Korea.
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Essential numbers in South Korea
Tourist helpline (English): 1330.
Full driving guide for South Korea5 notable places within an hour's drive.
landmark
A quiet Buddhist temple on the flank of Jogyesan, approached over Seungseongyo, a 17th-century granite arch bridge that forms a perfect circle with its reflection in the stream.
7 km · about 10 min drive
landmark
A walled Joseon-era town still inhabited, with thatched-roof houses inside 1.4 km of stone rampart that can be walked in full. Unlike most folk villages, residents farm the surrounding fields.
10 km · about 20 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Korea's largest and most beautiful green tea plantation with rolling hills of meticulously trimmed tea bushes creating a vivid emerald landscape.
32 km · about 35 min drive
natural wonder
A serene bamboo forest garden in southern Korea with winding paths through dense groves of towering bamboo.
46 km · about 55 min drive
national park
South Korea's first national park, centred on the 1,915-metre Cheonwangbong peak, crossed by the Jeongnyeongchi pass road.
59 km · about 70 min drive
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