Buddhist temples are an important part of the Korean landscape. Most Korean temples have names ending in-sa (Korean: 사;Hanja: 寺), which means "monastery" inSino-Korean.Many temples participate in theTemplestay program, where visitors can experience Buddhist culture and even stay at the temple overnight.[1]
A distinctive form ofBuddhism evolved in Korea. This was facilitated by the geographical location and cultural conditions. Buddhism first arrived in Korea in 372 inGoguryeo. In 374 the influentialHan Chinesemonk Ado arrived in the kingdom and inspired KingSosurim of Goguryeo the following year. The first two temples Seongmunsa and Ilbullansa were built in 375 on the order of the king. Buddhism soon became the national religion of Goguryeo.
With the advent ofTaoism in 624 the rulers began to suppress Buddhism and its importance quickly declined. TheBaekje Kingdom, on the other hand, flourished under the influence of Buddhism. In 552 Buddhist scriptures were sent to Japan. This eventually led to the establishment ofBuddhism in Japan.
Buddhism also flourished inSilla, during the reign ofJinheung of Silla (540 to 576).Heungnyunsa was built, where any commoner could become a monk. The study of scriptures was greatly highlighted. For about 250 years Buddhism thrived inLater Silla.
Buddhism was admired by Wang Geon, who was enthroned asTaejo of Goryeo. Throughout the country pagodas and other Buddhist structures were built.
In late Goryeo, Buddhism became linked with corruption of the regime. A great number of monks were involved in politics. Bit by bit anti-Buddhist sentiments grew, leading to chaos which was ended by the establishment ofJoseon.Taejo of Joseon himself was a devout Buddhist, but the influence of monks was reduced. At times monks were treated as outcasts, but generally there was no hindrance to their practising. Buddhist heritage can be found all over the country in the form of temples, pagodas, sculptures, paintings, handicrafts and buildings.
Sansingak (산신각, 山神閣) – ashamanic shrine dedicated to the mountain godSansin (산신, 山神), who can be depicted as both a male or a female.[3] Sometimes calledchilseong-gak (칠성각, 七星閣) orsamseong-gak (삼성각, 三星閣), this shrine is usually found behind the main shrine hall.
It is reported that many temples have been taken over by the state. Once the government controls these buildings, they are used mainly as museums of ancient Korean traditions. A few temples are still in use and they are consideredNational Treasures. Though few temples in large cities survived the US carpet bombings of theKorean War, many still survive in rural areas, and some of the more famous, large temples destroyed have since been rebuilt (such as theRyongtongsa andSingyesa). All in all, there are 300 temples.[4]
The following list is sorted by Romanized names, but it also can be sorted by Korean names, by provinces (SK=South Korea, NK=North Korea), or by counties (i.e.gun orsi). Some Korean names, and founding dates are to be completed (the founding date applies to the location, even if none of the original structures survive).A star in the first column denotes the 31 head temples designated during the Japanese colonial period.
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