Songgwangsa Temple

About

Located at the foot of Mt. Jongnamsan in Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, Songgwangsa Temple is a thousand-year-old temple said to have been founded by Master Doe during the Unified Silla period. Built on flat land and retaining a sense of peace, it was so famous for lotus flowers at the time of its foundation that it was called Baengnyeonsa, and it was extensively rebuilt while forming a deep connection with the royal family during the reign of King Injo of Joseon.

In particular, the massive clay triad Buddha statues and wooden samjeonpae (tablets), created to soothe the devastated public sentiment after the Qing invasion and to pray for the well-being of the royal family, show the special historical value unique to Songgwangsa Temple. The statues of the four heavenly kings boasting outstanding artistry and the cross-shaped bell tower, the only one of its kind in Joseon wooden architecture, are also must-see attractions. Experience the tranquil beauty and deep traces of history at Songgwangsa Temple, which held the status of a temple for national defense.