Seonghyeolsa Temple (Yeongju)

About this place

Seonghyeolsa, presumed to have been founded by Uisang during the Unified Silla period, is located on the southeastern foot of Wolmyeongbong, below Gungmangbong of Sobaeksan, and is a branch temple of Gounsa, the head temple of the 16th diocese of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. The temple's name, Seonghyeol, comes from the name of a cave to the south of the temple; it is said that the name was given because in ancient times a holy monk emerged from this rock cave. The temple's buildings are freely arranged according to the terrain. Part of a narrow valley was turned into the temple site following the lay of the land, and the monks' quarters and the Nahanjeon (Arhat Hall) were placed facing south. Within the precinct are the Daeungjeon (Main Hall), Nahanjeon, Sansingak (Mountain Spirit Shrine), Samseonggak (Three Sages Shrine), Simgeomdang, the Hamdamjeong pavilion, monks' quarters, and other structures. All the buildings except the Nahanjeon were newly built in recent times, and several of them have neither a hall name nor a signboard. Since there were no records of Seonghyeolsa after its founding until it was recorded during the Joseon period, it appears to have maintained its standing until the late Joseon era. Among the important cultural properties within the precinct are the Seonghyeolsa Nahanjeon, a stone seated Vairocana Buddha statue, and a Sinjung (guardian deities) hanging painting.