Anseong Seoknamsa Temple (석남사)

Seoknamsa Temple is located at the northeastern foot of Seounsan Mountain, 12 kilometers from Anseong. It’s a small temple but the view of stone steps leading up from the temple entrance to the Daeungjeon Hall is worth seeing. Seoknamsa Temple is known to have been presided by prominent monks such as Monk Hyegeo in the Goryeo dynasty. It is also where hundreds of monks in training stayed and practiced Buddhism at the time. The Daeungjeon Hall, which has three rooms on the front and three rooms on the sides, looks simple yet imposing with its gabled roof with double-layer eaves. The building with a hipped and gable roof resembling a crane flying right below the Daeungjeon Hall harmonizes with the Yeongsanjeon Hall. Seoknamsa Temple, which looms over the site, exudes a charm that immerses visitors with the energy of Seounsan Mountain. The Yeongsanjeon Hall also has a hipped and gable roof and three rooms in front and two rooms on the side. The sharp end of the roof is gently hidden in the forest, adding an elegant atmosphere. This building has great architectural significance because its bracket demonstrates the typical design of the early and middle Joseon dynasty. The temple also houses many cultural heritages such as the Yeongsanjeon Hall, where 16 Nahan are enshrined, the Daeungjeon Hall, and Rock-carved Stone Buddha, as well as local relics such as stone pagodas and stupas.