Songgwangsa Temple

by The Chosun Bimbo · CC BY 2.0

One of Korea's three jewel temples, which produced sixteen national preceptors in succession.

Korean Buddhism has three 'jewel temples', each standing for one of the Three Jewels. Songgwangsa is the Sangha jewel — the temple of the monastic community — because over two centuries it produced sixteen national preceptors one after another, which no other temple managed. It remains one of the strictest meditation centres in Korea, and part of the compound is closed to visitors so the monks can practise. The roofed wooden bridge Cheongnyanggak over the stream at the gate is the most photographed view. It was also here that Master Kusan opened meditation courses to foreigners in the 1970s, earlier than almost any Korean temple.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Songgwangsa Temple?

April–June and October–November

How much does it cost to visit Songgwangsa Temple?

Free (the cultural heritage fee was abolished in May 2023); parking charged separately

How long do you need at Songgwangsa Temple?

2 hours

What are the opening hours of Songgwangsa Temple?

07:00–19:00

Did you know

One of Korean Buddhism's three jewel temples, representing the Sangha.
It produced sixteen national preceptors in succession during the Goryeo era.
Inscribed by UNESCO in 2018 as part of the Sansa mountain monasteries.
The roofed wooden Cheongnyanggak bridge crosses the stream at the gate.

Travel tips

Parts of the compound are closed while the monks are in retreat.
Multi-day templestays are offered; book ahead.
Combine it with Suncheonman bay, about 40 minutes away by car.

Source: https://www.cctoday.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=2177268

Updated: 2026-08-04