South Jeolla Province

Religious sites in South Jeolla Province

Sacred Sites and Places of Worship

This collection highlights the spiritual heritage of the South Jeolla region, spanning centuries of Buddhist and Christian traditions. It includes UNESCO World Heritage sites like Seonamsa and Songgwangsa, renowned for their mountain architecture and monastic history. Visitors can explore unique structures such as the three-story wooden pagoda at Ssangbongsa, the cliffside Hyangiram hermitage in Yeosu, and historic cathedrals. These sites offer insights into Korea's religious evolution, artistic craftsmanship, and traditional mountain temple layouts.

Sacred Sites and Places of Worship — Map

by eimoberg / CC BY 2.0

A

Hwaeom-sa

Hwaeomsa is a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It is located on the slopes of Jirisan, in Masan-myeon, Gurye County, in…

B

Im-dong Cathedral

The Catholic Archdiocese of Gwangju is a particular church of the Latin Church of the Catholic Church, one of the three Metropolitan sees…

C

Bulgapsa Temple

Located on Mt. Bulgapsan, this temple is renowned for its autumn red spider lily fields and is traditionally considered the first Buddhist temple established in the Baekje Kingdom.

D

Chilbulsa

A temple on Mt. Jirisan famous for the Ajabang, a traditional cross-shaped underfloor heating system (ondol) designed to retain heat for 100 days.

E

Munsusa

A Buddhist temple situated on the slopes of Mt. Jirisan in Gurye, dedicated to Manjusri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom.

F

Seon-amsa Buddhist Temple

A UNESCO World Heritage site on Mt. Jogyesan, known for the 18th-century Seungseongyo rainbow stone bridge and its well-preserved 19th-century monastic architecture.

G

Songgwangsa Buddhist Temple

One of Korea’s Three Jewel Temples, representing the monastic community. This Mt. Jogyesan temple is a major center for Zen meditation and has produced numerous high monks.

H

Ssangbongsa

Located in Hwasun, this temple is notable for its unique three-story wooden pagoda and the intricately carved 9th-century stupa of Master Cheolgamyun.

I

Jogyejong 21 Gyoguyaksansa

A Buddhist temple belonging to the 21st district of the Jogye Order, the largest sect of Korean Buddhism.

J

Gwan-eumsa

A temple in Gokseong County associated with the traditional Korean folk legend of Sim Cheong and her themes of filial piety.

K

Daegaksa Buddhist Temple

A Buddhist temple located on the slopes of Mt. Jogyesan, situated in close proximity to the larger Seonamsa complex.

L

Cheonja-am Buddist Temple

A hermitage on Mt. Jogyesan famous for the Ssanghyangsu, a pair of 800-year-old twisted juniper trees designated as a Natural Monument.

M

Hyang-Il Buddhist Hermitage

A coastal hermitage in Yeosu perched on a steep cliff. It is a premier sunrise viewing spot known for its turtle-shell patterned rock formations.

Jangg8962 / CC BY-SA 4.0

N

Suncheon Castle

Suncheon Castle, also known as Suncheon Waeseong, in Korean, Juntenjō in Japanese, is the only remaining Japanese castle in Jeollanam-do,…

O

Nahanjeon

A specific hall dedicated to the Nahan (Arhats), the original disciples of the historical Buddha, typically featuring unique statues with diverse expressions.

P

Song-Kwang-Sa Temple Main Hall

The primary worship hall of Songgwangsa Temple, rebuilt in 1988 to reflect traditional Goryeo-era architectural styles.

Q

Beobdang

The main Dharma hall used for Buddhist ceremonies, chanting, and prayer services within the temple complex.

R

Gageodo sunbog-eumgyohoe

A Full Gospel church serving the local community on Gageodo, South Korea's westernmost island.

S

Yeongbo Catholic Church

A Catholic parish church located in the Yeongbo-ri area of Yeongam County.

T

Jingil Catholic Church

A Catholic church serving the local community on Jindo Island.

Other Lists

Jeollanam-do's Essential Treasures Beautiful Beaches Historic Fortifications Majestic Mountains and Viewpoints Cultural Hubs and Art Spaces