Seonun-sa

Jeollabuk-do

LoginSave

This Zen temple, founded in 577 and last rebuilt in 1720, is nestled among verdant hills. Just behind the temple is a 500-year-old camellia forest (동백 나무 숲) that flowers around the end of April. Beyond, hiking trails go up to outlying hermitage, such as Seoksang-am. Seonun-sa has a great templestay (₩50,000) which includes a 'walking meditation' trip up to the hermitages.

It's a 30-minute hike to Dosol-am hermitage and just beyond is a giant Buddha rock carving dating to the Goryeo dynasty.

From Dosol-am, you can you can climb up to Nakjodae, and then loop back down to the temple, passing the hermitage Chamdang-am. The total hike should take about three hours.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Gwangju Folk Museum

    Gwangju Folk Museum

    27.83 MILES

    Learn about traditional life in Jeollanam-do through the somewhat retro-looking dioramas and models here, which cover everything from kimchi and clothing…

  • Juknokwon

    Juknokwon

    25.78 MILES

    Sandy walking trails wend through this bamboo grove, past pavilions and film locations for Korean dramas. It's one of the area's most popular attractions…

  • May 18th National Cemetery

    May 18th National Cemetery

    27.21 MILES

    Opened in 1997, this is the final burial place for victims of the May 18 Democratic Uprising of 1980, one of the most tragic incidents in modern Korean…

  • Naejang-sa

    Naejang-sa

    18.28 MILES

    Naejang-sa has an enviable location, in the centre of Naejangsan National Park and encircled by towering peaks. Though the temple dates to AD 636, the…

  • Moyang Fortress

    Moyang Fortress

    8.46 MILES

    An impressive structure built in 1453, Moyang Fortress has a 1.6km-long wall surrounding a complex of reconstructed buildings, worth touring if you have a…

  • Gwangju Museum of Art

    Gwangju Museum of Art

    27.81 MILES

    Managed by the same folks who put on the Gwangju Biennale, this art museum shows up-and-coming Korean artists along with more established local names,…

  • Gwangju National Museum

    Gwangju National Museum

    27.46 MILES

    The Gwangju National Museum’s collection traces the region’s cultural history, from its prehistorical beginnings through the Joseon period (1392–1897),…

  • Naejangsan Observation Deck

    Naejangsan Observation Deck

    18.25 MILES

    A 300m walk from the top of the cable car in Naejangsan National Park, this pavilion offers stunning views over the surrounding peaks.

View more attractions

Nearby Jeollabuk-do attractions

1. Seoksang-am

0.27 MILES

This tiny hermitage in the hills of Seonunsan Provincial Park is part of the temple Seonun-sa.

2. Chamdang-am

0.41 MILES

The oldest hermitage at Seonun-sa is located in the hills behind the temple.

3. Dosol-am Hermitage

1.34 MILES

This hermitage is a 30-minute hike from the temple Seonun-sa. Nearby is a giant Buddha rock carving dating to the Goryeo dynasty.

4. Buddha Rock Carving

1.44 MILES

Hike up 30 minutes behind Seonun-sa to this giant Buddha rock carving dating to the Goryeo dynasty; the amazing image is carved into the cliff face and is…

5. Lookout

1.52 MILES

Hike here for views over Seonunsan Provincial Park.

6. Gochang Dolmen Site

6.07 MILES

History buffs will want to stroll the hills surrounding Gochang and ponder the mystery of 440 dolmens, prehistoric tombs from the Bronze and Iron Ages now…

7. Naeso-sa

8.11 MILES

Compared to many temples in Jeollabuk-do, Naeso-sa is a bit underwhelming. Originally built in AD 633 and last renovated in the 19th century, its…

8. Gochang Pansori Museum

8.34 MILES

This small museum has memorabilia on the unique solo opera musical form known as pansori. It's not far from the Moyang Fortress entrance.