03 · Korean Temple Monasteries (Sansa) Route
Songgwangsa Temple
Songgwangsa Temple in Suncheon, temple of the Sangha Buddhist community
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Planning the visit
Songgwangsa Temple is stop 4 of 9 on the Korean Temple Monasteries (Sansa) Route.
The stamp is at the Ticket office at Songgwangsa Temple, so you pass it on the way in.
Admission is charged: Adults KRW 3,000 / Teenagers KRW 2,000.
The nearest other stamp point is Seonamsa Temple, 5.1 km away.
Details
- Address
- 100, Songgwangsaan-gil, Songgwang-myeon, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do
- Stamp zone
- Ticket office at Songgwangsa Temple
- Hours
- Summer : 06:00 ~ 19:00 Winter : 07:00 ~ 18:00
- Admission
- Adults KRW 3,000 / Teenagers KRW 2,000
- Phone
- 061-755-0107
- Website
- www.songgwangsa.org
- Coordinates
- 35.00178, 127.27581
What the campaign says about it
Songgwangsa Temple, which is one of the “three jewels temples” in Korea thanks to its remarkable achievement of producing 16 national preceptors, was initially built during the late Silla Dynasty period. Then, during the Goryeo Dynasty, the Temple became much bigger as it became the center for scholarly learning of the Jeonghyegyeolsa movement led by Bojoguksa Jinul to reform the Buddhist world. The Temple is home to a number of cultural properties and national treasures, including Guksajeon Shrine (enshrines the 16 national preceptors from Songgwangsa Temple), the Illustration of the Avatamsaka Sutra (depicts sermons from the Hwaeomgyeong), and the Portable Shrine of Wooden Buddha Triad. Along with Tongdosa Temple in Yangsan and Haeinsa Temple in Hapcheon, Songgwangsa is considered one of the three most important Buddhist temples in Korea. Guksajeon Shrine at Songgwangsa Temple was built to commemorate the spirits of 16 great monks who served their country with distinction. In terms of architectural structure, the building, which was built in the early Joseon Dynasty style, is presumed to have been built in the same period as Hasadang Dormitory (treasure) also at Songgwangsa Temple in Suncheon. Its modest style and relatively compact size make Guksajeon an important example of the standard Jusimpo architectural style. Illustration of the Avatamsaka Sutra at Songgwangsa Temple in Suncheon This painting depicts sermons from the seven locations and nine assemblies described in the Hwaeomgyeong (Avatamsaka Sutra). The painting wields significant historical value as it offers clear and accurate illustrations of the sermons. Its well-arranged and structured composition, the use of red, green, and gold colors on a reddish-brown background, and the Gobun method to decorate the wreath on the Rocana Buddha in each scene are clear examples of Buddhist paintings from the 18th century, which showcased scenes that felt brighter and more glamorous. Portable Shrine of Wooden Buddha Triad at Songgwangsa Temple in Suncheon A Buddhist statue made smaller than a typical statue using wood, stone, or iron to enshrine the image of Buddha is called a “Bulgam” (portable shrine). A Bulgam can serve as an important resource in examining not only the style of the Buddha enshrined in it, but also the architectural style of the time. Although this Portable Shrine of Wooden Buddha Triad is very small, the details are accurate and sophisticated, which is evidence of some excellent sculpting skills. It is indeed a very rare example of Bulgam artifacts that remain in Korea.
Quoted from the Visit Korean Heritage Campaign.
Getting there
Get off at the KTX Suncheon station → Take bus no. 111 at Suncheon station bus stop → Get off at Songgwangsa Temple bus stop → Walk for 7 minutes
Photographs
Photographs supplied by the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation.