Daewonsa, Buddhist temple in Sancheong County, South Korea
Daewonsa is a Buddhist temple run by nuns, situated at the eastern base of Jirisan Mountain in Sancheong County, South Korea. A mountain stream runs alongside the valley path that leads from the parking area up to the temple grounds.
The temple was founded in 548 under the name Pyeongwonsa and was rebuilt several times after fires destroyed parts of the complex. The most significant reconstructions happened in the late 17th and late 19th centuries.
Daewonsa is one of the few active Buddhist nunneries in the region, and its daily life is shaped entirely by the nuns who live there. Visitors can observe morning rituals and the quiet pace of monastic life that unfolds around the temple courtyards.
The temple can be reached by bus from nearby towns, and the walk through the valley from the parking area to the temple is easy to follow. Coming during daylight makes it easier to enjoy the path along the stream and find your way around the grounds.
A multi-story stone pagoda on the grounds holds Buddha relics brought from China, distributed across its different levels. The pagoda is officially listed as a national treasure, making it one of the most historically significant objects on the site.
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