Silsangsa Temple (Namwon)

About this place

Silsangsa Temple, situated on flatland at the foot of Mt. Jirisan, is a branch temple of Geumsansa, the head temple of the 17th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It was founded in 828 (the 3rd year of King Heungdeok of Silla) by the venerable Jeunggak, who established the Silsang Mountain School, one of the nine mountain schools of Seon Buddhism. According to geomantic tradition, the temple was built here to prevent Korea's vital energy from flowing to Japan. Completely destroyed during the Jeongyu Japanese Invasion (1597), it was rebuilt in the 26th year of King Sukjong of Joseon (1700), but nearly burned down again in the 19th year of King Gojong (1882). Today it holds 17 provincial cultural properties, the most of any single temple, including the National Treasure of the Baekjangam Three-Story Stone Pagoda and 11 Treasures. The approach road runs through paddy fields, and the temple itself stands in an open plain rather than in the mountains, surrounded by trees. A half-moon stone bridge called the Haetalgyo Bridge at the temple entrance leads to impressive stone guardian statues. Mt. Jirisan forms a panoramic backdrop, creating a serene atmosphere, and the temple offers a templestay program.