Saseongam, Buddhist temple in Gurye, South Korea

Saseongam is a Buddhist temple set on a mountainside, featuring traditional wooden buildings with colorful decoration and multiple halls for ceremonies and practice. The structures fit naturally into the landscape, with paths and levels that follow the terrain.

Saseongam is said to have been founded in 544, the 22nd year of King Seong of Baekje, by the priest Yeongi Josa, though no records substantiate this. It was first called Osanam and later renamed for four monks—Yeongi, Wonhyo Daesa, Doseon Guksa and Jingak Seonsa—who studied here. Its buildings were reconstructed under Jingak Seonsa (1178–1234), and the Main Hall was rebuilt in the 1980s.

The name Saseongam means "Hermitage of Four Saints," referring to Yeongi Josa, Wonhyo Daesa, Doseon Guksa and Jingak Seonsa, who are said to have studied here. The small Sanshingak shrine behind Jijangjeon honours Sanshin, the mountain god shown as an elder with tigers. Doseongul, a passage between cliff boulders, is where Wonhyo is said to have meditated and Doseon later stayed while developing Korean feng shui theory.

Reaching the temple involves a hike through the mountains, so wear comfortable shoes and bring clothing suited to the terrain and weather. Be prepared to move quietly during meditation and prayer times to respect the spiritual practices happening around you.

The Doseongul is not a true cave but a passage between giant cliff boulders beside the Sanshingak shrine. Wonhyo Daesa is said to have meditated there, and 200 years later Doseon Guksa stayed while developing his feng shui theory of Korean geography.