Suncheon Songgwangsa Temple (송광사(순천))

Songgwangsa Temple is one of Korea's three Jewel Temples — alongside Tongdosa and Haeinsa — representing the Sangha (community) jewel of Buddhism, and historically the most important Korean Seon (Zen) monastery. Founded in the late 12th century by the great Korean Seon master Bojo Jinul, the compound has produced sixteen national preceptors and remains an active practicing monastery. The temple's walled precincts contain dozens of buildings, several of them national treasures, and a striking covered bridge across a stream. The setting in Jogyesan Provincial Park's deep forest gives the visit a particularly meditative tone. About two hours on site. Pair with the Jogyesan trails and Suncheon Bay.