Seonamsa Temple 선암사
Suncheon · Jogyesan, Songgwangsa & Seonamsa · Sights
Seonamsa is a mountain temple included on UNESCO's World Heritage list as part of Korea's Buddhist mountain monasteries. It has a relaxed, unpretentious air, with no grand gate and weathered halls that blend into the hillside. Spring is its star season, when old plum trees flower in March and bring photographers up the valley.
Behind the main halls stands an old wooden outhouse, a curiosity often pointed out to visitors. The temple lies on the same ridge as Songgwangsa, and a long mountain trail links them. Dress modestly, keep your voice low and check the temple's rules for photography.
From Suncheon, local buses run toward Seonamsa (about 40 to 50 minutes; confirm times at the bus terminal), and a taxi takes around 35 minutes. Parking is near the entrance. (Show a driver: 선암사)
Show this Korean name to your taxi driver or match it to signs: 선암사
- Best time to visit
- Late March for plum blossoms, or late October for maple color.
- Pair it with
- Seungseongyo Bridge is on the path in, and Jangwon Sikdang and Dabansa Cafe are at the entrance.
- Great for
- Parents, Solo travelers
- Local tip
- A UNESCO-listed mountain temple famous for old plum trees blooming in spring. Allow 90 minutes to two hours. A small admission fee applies.