Sansa, Buddhist mountain monasteries in South Korea.
Sansa comprises seven Buddhist temple complexes scattered across the mountains of South Korea. Each site consists of multiple buildings including worship halls, lecture rooms, and residential quarters arranged around central courtyards.
These monasteries were established between the 7th and 9th centuries, marking when Buddhism first took root on the Korean peninsula. They demonstrate how the religion developed during this formative period in Korea's history.
These temple grounds remain active centers of worship where visitors can observe monks performing daily rituals and meditation practices. The way the buildings are arranged reflects how Buddhism has been practiced in Korea for over a thousand years.
These temples remain active religious sites, so visitors should dress respectfully and be mindful of the monks' daily routines and quiet times. Many locations offer overnight stays and meditation sessions for those interested in deeper participation.
Unlike many other religious sites, these temples were deliberately built without walls or fences separating them from the surrounding landscape. This open design allows the buildings to blend seamlessly with the mountain terrain around them.
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