(04고창선운사,도솔암) Go chang - Sun eun Temple, Do so lam

(Source from) http://www.seonunsa.org/
(Source from) http://www.seonunsa.org/eng/

Seonunsa buddhist temple is the head temple of 24th parish in the Korean Jogye order buddhism which is located in Mt.Dosol of Gochang county, Jeonra north province.

The temple name "Seonun" means the place where an ascetic devotee practicing seon(zen) meditation with the evening cloud which dwells in the blazing red of the setting sun.

The temple is located in the rocks of fantastic shape and so it have its most beautiful scenery. The temple was founded A.D.577(24th year of king Weeduk, Baekje dynasty) by master Kumdan and since then this temple took charge of enlightening the sentient beings of this world and guiding them to the buddhist's idealistic pure land.

From the beginning, some displaced people lived in Mt.Seonun(Mt.Dosol) because there were disturbances of war during the period of three states(Gogureo, Baekje and Shinra dynasty). Master Kumdan taught the teachings of Buddha, traditional salt making method and traditional Korean paper making method to them.
So they made their earnings from the salt and paper making and they can kept their livelihood. Villagers named their village as Kumdan-ri after master Kumdan's buddhist name for paying master Kumdan's tribute to them. Villagers also offered their salt to the Seonunsa temple for repaying master Kumdan's obligation.
Since then this beautiful tradition have handed down even today.

There is no end of visitors to Seonunsa temple because this temple have its beautiful scenery, its long history and its important cultural properties.
In addition to it, the red flowers of camilia trees around the temple burst into flowers in the spring and is much loved from the poets and artists.

 

 

The name 'Dosol' means the heaven where Maitreya bodhisattva practice asceticism for his descenting to new idealistic world. As we know it, Maitreya Buddha is the next Buddha and so we presume that the foundation of Dosolam hermitage is related to Maitreya belief. Especially people called the rock cliff Buddha which is carved on the west rock from Dosolam hermitage as Maitreya Buddha. So we presume that there is some sort of connection between Dosolam hermitage and Maitreya belief.

Originally, Dosolam hermitage was devided into three hermitages as upper Dosolam, under Dosolam and north Dosolam. Upper Dosolam hermitage was located at the site of 'Naewongung'(the palace of Maitreya). Under Dosolam hermitage was located at the rock cliff Buddha and north Dosolam hermitage was located at the main Buddha hall. But all is gone except 'Naewongung'(the palace of maitreya) and north Dosolam hermitage. So Dosolam hermitage is composed of 'Naewongung', Main Buddha Hall, Arhat hall and temple dormitory now.
Dosolam Hermitage is the most famous praying site of Korean buddhist.

In addition to it, Seonunsa temple have two more hermitages; Seoksangam Hermitage and Dongwoonam Hermitage.

① Gochang → Seonunsa temple : Direct bus: 8 times a day and Local bus 24 times a day(takes 30 minutes, 20km) ② Heungduk → Seonunsa temple : Direct bus: 4 times a day and local bus is running every 50 minutes(takes 35 minutes, 16km) ③ Jeongeup → Seonunsa temple : Direct bus: 4 times a day(takes 50 minutes, 34km) ④ Kwangju → Seonunsa temple : Direct bus: 8 times a day(takes 1 hour and 30 minutes, 72km) ① The west seaside express way : Seonunsa I.C → Seonunsa temple ② Kwangju → Honam express way → Jangsung-Gochang express way → the west sea side express way → Seonunsa I.C → Seonunsa temple

Seonunsa temple is the perfect place to repose your body and soul through Korean buddhist culture experience which will be held at this old and beautiful temple. Seonunsa buddhist temple is very famous for its beautiful scenery. This temple offers very comfort and cozy surroundings. Seonunsa temple stay program gives you an opportunity to achieve peace in your mind through daily temple life experience. This is a great opportunity to escape from the crowded city and let all your stress out. Tranquil your mind and body through daily temple life experience. This can be a meaningful time to take a good look at your inner-self based on Buddha's teaching; I and others are the whole, I and nature are one; and take your time to be your true-self. Make sure you to follow the daily temple life schedule; pre-dawn/evening worship ceremony, meal time and bed time; and rest of time will be free. Hope you have a good memory and good karma through Seonunsa temple stay program.