Seonam Temple, or Seonamsa, is a Korean Buddhist temple on the eastern slope at the west end of Jogyesan Provincial Park, within the northern Seungjumyeon District of the city of Suncheon, South Jeolla Province, South Korea. It belongs to the Taego Order although the Jogye Order claims possession over it.
The name Seonam ("Xian's Precipice", 仙 巖) is derived from the legend that a xian, an immortal, once played the game of Go here.
About from the entrance towards the main temple grounds, two rainbow-shaped bridges appear; the second-larger one being Seungseon Bridge. Just beyond Seungseon Bridge is Gangseon Pavilion. Past the pavilion, the small oval-shape pond called Samindang comes into site. Inside the pond is a small islet with an evergreen, creating an attractive setting.
Going further on the Ilju Gate appears, beyond which the various temple buildings emerge. The large timbers of the main temple buildings are impressive, blending elegantly with the surrounding Jogye mountains and harmonizing with the nature surrounding them.
A hiking trail to the left of Seonam Temple leads to Maaeburi, a -high sculpture engraved on a rock. Seonamsa is beautiful throughout the year, especially in the spring when all the flowers are in bloom, as well as in the fall with all the autumn colors.
With 19 National Cultural Properties in its halls and museum, there are few Korean Buddhist temples with more treasures than Seonamsa.
History
Legend states that in 529, the missionary monk Ado (阿道) built a hermitage at this site on the eastern slope of Jogyesan and named it Biroam ().
350 years later in 861, Doseon constructed a grand temple here and named it Seonamsa. As the head temple of the samamsa trio ("three 'rock' temples") with Unamsa (雲岩) and Yongamsa (龍岩), Seonamsa played a fundamental role in the development of Seon Buddhism, and many masters have practiced, taught and attained awakening here.
During the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–98), many of Seonamsa's buildings were destroyed, along with much of the country. Restoration came after the war, and a new plan to restore the temple to the original 11th century configuration has been underway since 1992.
Treasures
Seungseongyo
Seungseongyo (승선교 / 昇仙橋), Seungseon Bridge, is a granite stone bridge constructed in semi-circular arch configuration 14 meters/46 feet long and 3.5-meters (11.5 feet) wide. Seungseon means ‘the ascending immortals’.
Monk Hoan built this Joseon Era bridge over a period of six years beginning in 1713. Seungseongyo is considered to be amongst the most beautiful of the old stone bridges in Korea.
The protruding sculpture of a dragon's head below the midsection of the bridge, facing upstream, is intended to ward off evil spirits. The bridge's arch casts a magical reflection in the stream below with the image of the Gangseonru (pavilion) peeping out beneath, a short distance away. Because this charming bridge blends in so well with the valley below, it is often used as a location for shooting movies and TV shows.
Seungseongyo is Treasure #400.
Iljumun
Iljumun is the first gate at the entrance to many Korean Buddhist temples. Called the "One-Pillar Gate", because when viewed from the side the gate appears to be supported by a single pillar. This symbolizes the one true path of enlightenment which supports the world. It is the boundary between the Buddhist temple and a human's worldly life. The gate symbolizes ritual purification and one must leave all of their worldly desires before entering the temple.
Seonamsa's Iljumun dates back to the Joseon dynasty. According to the records from the "Message for the framework-raising ceremony of Jogye Gate" the original Seonamsa Iljumun was destroyed by fire and restored in 1540. It was also recorded that the gate was again destroyed during the Qing invasion of Joseon battle and rebuilt in 1719.
Seonamsa's Iljumun harmonizes with the neighboring forest, radiating a soft elegance. Walls extend from both sides of the entry and stone steps are laid out in front. Its elaborate woodwork makes it uniquely magnificent.
Seonamsa Iljumun is Cultural Treasure #96.
Palsangjeon
Palsangjeon (Hall of Eight Pictures) is a worship hall found on a Korean Buddhist temple complex that contains the "Palsang", the series of painted murals depicting the eight stages in the life of the historic Buddha, Sakyamuni.