Samcheonsa Temple (Seoul)

About this place

Samcheonsa Temple was founded by the Monk Wonhyo in 661. According to the 'Sinjeung Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam' (New Augmented Survey of the Geography of Korea) and the 'Bukhanji,' it flourished so greatly that 3,000 monks could practice here, and the temple name is said to derive from this number. However, recent archaeological surveys found roof tiles inscribed with 'Samcheon' (three streams), suggesting the name had two possible meanings. Although the temple suffered during the Imjin War, the Rock-Carved Standing Buddha of Samcheonsa (Treasure No. 657), a thousand-year-old ancient Buddha image, was designated a National Treasure in the 1970s under Abbess Seongun. The temple was gradually shaped into its current form, including the Daeungjeon, Sannyeongak, Cheonteagak, Yeonsuwon, and monks' quarters, as well as the Sejeon Josinsariap, Jijang Bosal Ipssang, Ganhyeong Sariap, and Gwaneumbosal Statues, five-story stone pagoda, and a reconstruction stele.