Songgwangsa Temple松廣寺

Songgwangsa Temple, located on the northern foothills of Jogyesan Mountain, is known as one of Korea's Three Jewel Temples, along with Haeinsa Temple in Hapcheon (a Dharma-Jewel Temple) and Tongdosa Temple in Yangsan (a Buddha-Jewel Temple). It began at the end of the Silla Dynasty when Seon Master Hyerin built a small hermitage and named it Gilsangsa. After National Preceptor Bojo Jinul moved the Jeonghye Gyeolsa (Samadhi and Prajna Society) here and established it as a place for practice and Seon meditation, it became known as a Sangha-Jewel Temple. It has produced 16 National Preceptors, including National Preceptor Bojo Jinul. As a temple rich in wooden cultural assets, approximately 80 buildings stand within its precincts. A total of 27 cultural heritage items are preserved here. These include 17 National Cultural Heritage items: 3 National Treasures (such as Guksajeon Hall, which enshrines the portraits of the 16 National Preceptors), 13 Treasures (such as Hasadang, Yaksajeon, and Yeongsanjeon), and other national cultural assets including the Twin Scented Trees, which are Natural Monuments. Additionally, there are 10 items of Local Cultural Heritage, such as the designated National Preceptor's Reliquary. Seungbojeon Hall and Jijangjeon Hall are located to the left and right, centered around Daeungjeon Hall, presenting a majestic appearance. The incense rising from each hall, the subtle sound of the wooden fish drum, the clear chanting of scriptures, and the sight of monks continuing the splendid lineage of this ancient temple evoke a sense of reverence.