Seonunsa, Buddhist temple on Dosolsan mountain, South Korea
Seonunsa is a Buddhist temple located on the slopes of Dosolsan mountain near the Yellow Sea coast. The complex contains 13 structures including the central Daeungjeon Buddha hall, along with three natural sites featuring old-growth forests, ancient trees, and native flowering plants.
The temple was founded in 577 CE by Master Geomdan and expanded into a major complex with numerous buildings and hermitages over the centuries. Though many original structures have been lost, it has remained a significant Buddhist center and has been progressively preserved and restored.
The temple remains an active place where visitors can observe Buddhist devotional practices and community gatherings. The preserved artworks and structures reflect how Buddhist traditions have been lived and celebrated here across generations.
The best time to visit the camellia forests is mid-April when flowers reach peak bloom, though trails remain open year-round. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as the site involves walking through wooded areas and climbing stairs to reach different temple buildings.
The Manseru building stands out for its construction using untrimmed tree trunks as columns and beams, made from leftover lumber after other structures were completed. This practical approach reveals how medieval craftsmen used materials efficiently when building the temple complex.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
