Songgwangsa Temple (Suncheon)

Songgwangsa Temple, located on the northern foothills of Jogyesan Mountain, is known as one of Korea's Three Jewel Temples (三寶寺刹), along with Haeinsa Temple (Dharma Jewel Temple) in Hapcheon and Tongdosa Temple (Buddha Jewel) in Yangsan. It began when Seon Master Hyerin (慧璘禪師) built a small hermitage called Gilsangsa during the late Silla period. Later, after National Preceptor Bojo Jinul moved the Jeonghye Gyeolsa (Samadhi and Prajna Society) here and established it as a place for ascetic practice and Zen meditation, it became a Seungbo Sasal (Monk Jewel Temple). It produced 16 National Preceptors, including National Preceptor Bojo Jinul. As a temple rich in wooden cultural heritage, it has approximately 80 buildings within its precincts. A total of 27 cultural heritage items are preserved here, including 3 National Treasures such as Guksajeon Hall, which enshrines the portraits of the 16 National Preceptors; 13 Treasures, including Hasadang, Yaksajeon, and Yeongsanjeon; and 17 National Cultural Properties, including the Twin Hyangsu Trees (a Natural Monument), along with 10 Local Cultural Heritage items such as the Designated Monk's Sarira Casket. With Seungbojeon Hall and Jichangjeon Hall located to the left and right of the main Daewoongjeon Hall, it displays a majestic atmosphere. One can feel a sense of reverence from the incense rising from each hall, the soft sound of wooden moktaks, the clear chanting of scriptures, and the sight of monks carrying on the brilliant monastic tradition of this ancient temple.