Seonamsa Temple仙巖寺

Seonamsa Temple, located on the eastern foothills of Jogyesan Mountain, was founded in the 7th year of King Seong of Baekje (529 AD) when Monk Ado built Biroam hermitage. Later, in the 1st year of King Gyeongmun of Silla (861 AD), National Preceptor Doseon established the present Seonamsa, following the Seon tradition of the Dongni Mountain Gate, one of the nine mountain gates of Seon Buddhism. On the opposite side, on the western slope of the mountain, lies the famous Songgwangsa Temple, a Seungbo-sachal (monastery representing the Buddhist community). Around Seonamsa, hundreds-of-years-old oak, camellia, maple, and chestnut trees grow densely, and the autumn foliage is particularly famous. In front of the temple, there is an arched Seungseongyo Bridge (Treasure), which is sturdy because its base is made of natural bedrock, and the dragon head in its center is very mystical. The Three-story Stone Pagodas (Treasure) standing on either side in front of the Daeungjeon also attract the eyes of tourists. As one of the temples where traditional temple culture remains most intact, besides seven National Treasures, there are also 12 provincial cultural properties, including the magnificent and splendid Daeungjeon, Palsangjeon, Wontongjeon, a gilt-bronze incense burner, and Iljumun Gate. Following the hiking trail that starts to the left of Seonamsa's main temple complex, one can see a rock-carved Buddha (Maebul) sculpted into a gigantic rock measuring 7 meters high and 2 meters wide. An 800-year-old indigenous tea plantation, the Jogyesan hiking trail connecting Songgwangsa to Seonamsa, crystal-clear valley water, dense trees, and autumn foliage add to the beauty of this place. Furthermore, in the vicinity of Seonamsa, just like Jirisan and Baekunsan Mountains, Gorosoe maple trees grow naturally, allowing visitors to taste medicinal spring water around Gyeongchip (Awakening of Insects) each year. Seonamsa Chiljeon Seonwon is a Zen meditation place within Seonamsa Temple, located on the eastern foothills of Jogyesan Mountain in Songju-eup, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do. As Taego Chongnim, the sole Jongnim (monastic compound) of the Taego Order, it is a comprehensive training ground where numerous monks practice in its Buddhist college (Gangwon) and Zen centers (Seonwon). 'Chiljeon' refers to a cluster of seven buildings located at the uppermost part of Seonamsa. Behind Seonamsa, there is a cluster of wild tea plants over 800 years old in the wild tea fields. While wild tea from Hwagae is considered the highest quality, purely naturally grown wild tea regards Seonamsa tea as the best. The characteristic of Seonamsa's wild tea is described as 'savory and deep-flavored,' which comes from the tea plants growing in the shade of dense cedar and oak trees, resulting in tender tea leaves, while the misty and humid climate creates its deep flavor. However, tasting Seonamsa tea is not easy. The Seonamsa tea fields are not large, so the harvest volume is small, and the tea is highly valued.