| The Top 108 Buddhist Temples of Korea -- the Joyge Order version, and my own version -- |
This is a listing of the 108 most important Buddhist monasteries as-pilgrimage-destinations of all Korea
(including the northern territories now controlled by the DPRK regime), as created by Master Seonmok
Hyeja Seunim, a prominent monk who has served as Abbot of Surak-san Doan-sa in Seoul since 1976.
He launched the 108 Mountain-Temples Pilgrimage Project in 2013, proclaiming a list of the "Great 108"
by his own opinion, and leading large groups of Jogye-member Korean pilgrims to visit all of them in-
turn; the visits were completed in 2018. During that time, this list was accepted as semi-official by the
administration and members of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, and indeed most of these are
their main pilgrimage destinations, and many members make it a devotional goal to visit all of them at
least once, at least those within South Korea.
All of those on thi list are among the roughly 1100 "traditional temples", meaning founded before 1900
CE, save for one -- Jogye-sa (f. 1910), now the national headquarters temple in downtown Seoul; it is
also one of the few that are not located on a sacred mountain, hill or cliff. Doan-sa itself might not
really qualify; its information-board claims that it was founded there a few hundred years ago in the
mid-Joseon era, but there seems to be no physical evidence for that; it is not listed at-all in the official
Jogye Encyclopedia of Korean Temples, nor recognized as a historical site by the various levels of
relevant government agencies. A beautiful, well-sited but fairly modest monastery, it seems to have
been included on Seonmok Hyeja's list just because it is his own longtime home-temple. See my
Doan-sa page for more about him. He operates a large website on his concept, www.108sansa.com
His list does not include the other monastic orders, which seems excessively partisan. There are
several major and important temples built in South Korea in the late 20th century, and two traditional
temples serving as headquarters for other orders, that are notably not on this list. His own numbering
of the Great 108 does not conform to the north-south listing here -- his numbering seems quite random
and might only reflect the order in vich he arranged his pilgrimage visits to them; the only order seen
is that his #1 is Samgak-san Doseon-sa, temple of his own master Cheongdam, and the next three
are the Sambo-sachal set of Tongdo-sa, Haein-sa and Songgwang-sa, and then that his own temple
Doan-sa is placed last at #108, with appropriate humility. See his pigrimages and numbering-system
on my page "Surak-san Do-an-sa as Home-Base of the Top-108 Mountain-Temples".
Three on the list are in the North -- and this selection can be disputed, wondering why Geumgang-
san Pohyun-sa, Bodeok-am & Sambul-sa, and Chilbo-san Gaeshim-sa are not included....? (probably
just for reaching exactly 108, and they are the ones that Seonmok Hyeja has been able to visit). The
once-very-important Myohyang-san Bohyeon-sa is included on the poster below but not in the online
Jogye listing, no known reason why.
I myself have visited 100 out of the 105 of these temples in the South. There is also some legitimate
quibbling about the southern listing; and I have included at the end my own opinions of which should
be cut from this list or included on it, then arranged my own list, which I believe to be superior. I have
corrected some mistakes using other Jogye Order sources, and added some locational information
where it is useful for the less-known sites.
108 is a very holy number in global Buddhism, with holy antecedents in Hinduism, and is a strong
tradition within Korean Buddhism; it is taught as the number of Vows taken by Amita Buddha and
Gwansum-bosal the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Korean and other Buddhists often perform 108
prostrations as a devotional & meditative practice, there are 108 stone steps leading up to several
sacred shrines, and so-forth. It is 9 × 12, 9 being the highest single-digit number and 12 being the
auspicious number of moons (months) per solar year, with their associated guardian-animal-spirits
(the ship-i-ji). In some Buddhist teachings, this number is reached by multiplying the senses smell,
touch, taste, hearing, sight, and consciousness by whether they are painful, pleasant or neutral, and
then again by whether these are internally generated or externally occurring, and yet again by past,
present and future; and so finally we get 108 feelings. 6 × 3 × 2 × 3 = 108. The Lankavatara Sutra
has a section where the Bodhisattva Mahamati asks Buddha 108 questions and another passage
where Buddha lists 108 statements of negation. Due to the similarity of the Sanskrit word translated
as "statement" (pada) with another meaning "step", the tradition of 108 stair-steps evolved in temples.
At the end of the year in many monasteries, the Dharma Bell is chimed 108 times to finish the old
year and welcome the new one; it is said that each ring represents one of 108 earthly temptations
a person must overcome to achieve nirvana.
Anyway, this list can be considered an interesting take on Korean Buddhist pilgrimage sites, and my
revision of it is a fairly reliable guide to which Korean Buddhist monasteries are the most-worth-visiting,
also among the largest and most religiously-important in the entire nation. They are listed here North-
to-South, grouped by provinces as on the poster-map, not any order of relative importance; and they
are named by the mountain that hosts them, in the traditional style. Click on the name to see my
photos of and commentary on that temple, its host mountain and its Sanshin shrines.
(including the northern territories now controlled by the DPRK regime), as created by Master Seonmok
Hyeja Seunim, a prominent monk who has served as Abbot of Surak-san Doan-sa in Seoul since 1976.
He launched the 108 Mountain-Temples Pilgrimage Project in 2013, proclaiming a list of the "Great 108"
by his own opinion, and leading large groups of Jogye-member Korean pilgrims to visit all of them in-
turn; the visits were completed in 2018. During that time, this list was accepted as semi-official by the
administration and members of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, and indeed most of these are
their main pilgrimage destinations, and many members make it a devotional goal to visit all of them at
least once, at least those within South Korea.
All of those on thi list are among the roughly 1100 "traditional temples", meaning founded before 1900
CE, save for one -- Jogye-sa (f. 1910), now the national headquarters temple in downtown Seoul; it is
also one of the few that are not located on a sacred mountain, hill or cliff. Doan-sa itself might not
really qualify; its information-board claims that it was founded there a few hundred years ago in the
mid-Joseon era, but there seems to be no physical evidence for that; it is not listed at-all in the official
Jogye Encyclopedia of Korean Temples, nor recognized as a historical site by the various levels of
relevant government agencies. A beautiful, well-sited but fairly modest monastery, it seems to have
been included on Seonmok Hyeja's list just because it is his own longtime home-temple. See my
Doan-sa page for more about him. He operates a large website on his concept, www.108sansa.com
His list does not include the other monastic orders, which seems excessively partisan. There are
several major and important temples built in South Korea in the late 20th century, and two traditional
temples serving as headquarters for other orders, that are notably not on this list. His own numbering
of the Great 108 does not conform to the north-south listing here -- his numbering seems quite random
and might only reflect the order in vich he arranged his pilgrimage visits to them; the only order seen
is that his #1 is Samgak-san Doseon-sa, temple of his own master Cheongdam, and the next three
are the Sambo-sachal set of Tongdo-sa, Haein-sa and Songgwang-sa, and then that his own temple
Doan-sa is placed last at #108, with appropriate humility. See his pigrimages and numbering-system
on my page "Surak-san Do-an-sa as Home-Base of the Top-108 Mountain-Temples".
Three on the list are in the North -- and this selection can be disputed, wondering why Geumgang-
san Pohyun-sa, Bodeok-am & Sambul-sa, and Chilbo-san Gaeshim-sa are not included....? (probably
just for reaching exactly 108, and they are the ones that Seonmok Hyeja has been able to visit). The
once-very-important Myohyang-san Bohyeon-sa is included on the poster below but not in the online
Jogye listing, no known reason why.
I myself have visited 100 out of the 105 of these temples in the South. There is also some legitimate
quibbling about the southern listing; and I have included at the end my own opinions of which should
be cut from this list or included on it, then arranged my own list, which I believe to be superior. I have
corrected some mistakes using other Jogye Order sources, and added some locational information
where it is useful for the less-known sites.
108 is a very holy number in global Buddhism, with holy antecedents in Hinduism, and is a strong
tradition within Korean Buddhism; it is taught as the number of Vows taken by Amita Buddha and
Gwansum-bosal the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Korean and other Buddhists often perform 108
prostrations as a devotional & meditative practice, there are 108 stone steps leading up to several
sacred shrines, and so-forth. It is 9 × 12, 9 being the highest single-digit number and 12 being the
auspicious number of moons (months) per solar year, with their associated guardian-animal-spirits
(the ship-i-ji). In some Buddhist teachings, this number is reached by multiplying the senses smell,
touch, taste, hearing, sight, and consciousness by whether they are painful, pleasant or neutral, and
then again by whether these are internally generated or externally occurring, and yet again by past,
present and future; and so finally we get 108 feelings. 6 × 3 × 2 × 3 = 108. The Lankavatara Sutra
has a section where the Bodhisattva Mahamati asks Buddha 108 questions and another passage
where Buddha lists 108 statements of negation. Due to the similarity of the Sanskrit word translated
as "statement" (pada) with another meaning "step", the tradition of 108 stair-steps evolved in temples.
At the end of the year in many monasteries, the Dharma Bell is chimed 108 times to finish the old
year and welcome the new one; it is said that each ring represents one of 108 earthly temptations
a person must overcome to achieve nirvana.
Anyway, this list can be considered an interesting take on Korean Buddhist pilgrimage sites, and my
revision of it is a fairly reliable guide to which Korean Buddhist monasteries are the most-worth-visiting,
also among the largest and most religiously-important in the entire nation. They are listed here North-
to-South, grouped by provinces as on the poster-map, not any order of relative importance; and they
are named by the mountain that hosts them, in the traditional style. Click on the name to see my
photos of and commentary on that temple, its host mountain and its Sanshin shrines.
| 9 of these are designated on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites List as-of 2018 -- see this page. |
Gyeonggi-do Province, Seoul and Incheon Cities: (18)
Soyo-san Jajae-am 소요산 자재암
Namyangju City Unak-san Bongseon-sa 남양주시 운악산 봉선사
Surak-san Doan-sa 수락산 도안사
Samgak-san Doseon-sa 삼각산 도선사
Samgak-san Hwagye-sa 삼각산 화계사
Samgak-san Gyeongguk-sa 삼각산 경국사
Downtown Seoul Bugak-san Jogye-sa 서월시내 부각산 조계사
Seokmo Island Sangbong-san Bomun-sa 석모도 상봉산 보문사
Mani-san Jeonjuk-bong Jeondeung-sa 마니산 전죽봉 전등사
Gangnam-gu Sudo-san Bongeun-sa 강남구 수도산 봉은사
Gwanak-san Yeonju-am 관악산 연주암
Yongmun-san Yongmun-sa 용문산 용문사
Yongin City Seongryun-san Yongdeok-sa 용인시 성륜산 용던사
Suwon City Paldal-gu Gwanggyo-san Bongnyeong-sa 수원시 팔달구 광교산 봉령사
Suwon City Hwaseong Hwa-san Yongju-sa 수원시 화성 화산 용주사
Yeoju City Hyemok-san Godal-saji 여주시 혜목산 고달사지
Yeoju City Namhan River Bongmi-san Shilleuk-sa 여주시 남한강 봉미산 신륵사
Ansan City Chilhyeon-san Chiljang-sa 안산시 칠현산 칠장사
Soyo-san Jajae-am 소요산 자재암
Namyangju City Unak-san Bongseon-sa 남양주시 운악산 봉선사
Surak-san Doan-sa 수락산 도안사
Samgak-san Doseon-sa 삼각산 도선사
Samgak-san Hwagye-sa 삼각산 화계사
Samgak-san Gyeongguk-sa 삼각산 경국사
Downtown Seoul Bugak-san Jogye-sa 서월시내 부각산 조계사
Seokmo Island Sangbong-san Bomun-sa 석모도 상봉산 보문사
Mani-san Jeonjuk-bong Jeondeung-sa 마니산 전죽봉 전등사
Gangnam-gu Sudo-san Bongeun-sa 강남구 수도산 봉은사
Gwanak-san Yeonju-am 관악산 연주암
Yongmun-san Yongmun-sa 용문산 용문사
Yongin City Seongryun-san Yongdeok-sa 용인시 성륜산 용던사
Suwon City Paldal-gu Gwanggyo-san Bongnyeong-sa 수원시 팔달구 광교산 봉령사
Suwon City Hwaseong Hwa-san Yongju-sa 수원시 화성 화산 용주사
Yeoju City Hyemok-san Godal-saji 여주시 혜목산 고달사지
Yeoju City Namhan River Bongmi-san Shilleuk-sa 여주시 남한강 봉미산 신륵사
Ansan City Chilhyeon-san Chiljang-sa 안산시 칠현산 칠장사
| A poster of the "Great 108" made by the Layperson's Association of Samgak-san Doseon-sa. |
My own opinion is,
I would exclude these 13 from the List as less important:
Goseong County Geumgang-san Geonbong-sa
Jeongbang-san Seongbul-sa (NK) 정방사 성불사
(in fact I will exclude all NK temples, as currently "inactive" and very difficult if not impossible
for many pilgrims to visit. I do like the "All of Korea" theme, but in this case it's inappropriate;
a Great 108 listing from only the South seems best)
Duta-san Gwaneum-am 두타산 관음암
Surak-san Doan-sa 수락산 도안사
Yongin City Seongryun-san Yongdeok-sa 용인시 성륜산 용던사
Suwon City Paldal-gu Gwanggyo-san Bongnyeong-sa 수원시 팔달구 광교산 봉령사
Yeoju City Hyemok-san Godal-saji 여주시 혜목산 고달사지
(ruins of once-great temples not-rebuilt should be excluded, along with Iksan Mireuk-saji & Gyeongju Hwangryong-saji)
Jecheon Deoksan-myeon Waryong-san Gosan-sa 제천 덕산면 와룡산 고산사
Yeongdong County Cheontae-san Yeongguk-sa 영동군 천태산 영국사
Naepo Gaya-san Sangwang-san Gaeshim-sa 내포 가야산 상왕산 개심사
Palgong-san Sudo-sa 팔공산 수도사
Toham-san Gameun-saji 토함산 감은사지
Gokseong-gun Seongdeok-san Gwaneum-sa 곡성군 성덕산 관음사
Yeosu Yeongchui-san Heungguk-sa 여수시 영취산 흥국사
and I would include these onto the List:
(some in same area are grouped-together to maintain the 108)
Taebaek-san Manggyeong-sa 대백산 망경사
Dobong-san Mangwol-sa 도봉산 망월사
Southwestern Samgak-san Cluster of 서남 삼각산
Heungguk-sa, Samcheon-sa & Jingwan-sa 흥국사, 삼천사 & 진관사
added to Samgak-san Gyeongguk-sa
Bulam-san Bulam-sa 불암산 불암사
An-san Bongwon-sa 안산 봉원사
Worak-san Deokju-sa 월악산 덕주사
Poam-san Mireuk-saji 포암산 미륵사지
Toham-san Hamwol-bong Gogul-sa 토함산 함월봉 고굴사
Nam-san Bori-sa 남산 보리사
Nam-san Chilbul-am 남산 칠불암
Jiri-san Beopgye-sa, Naewon-sa, 지리산 법계사, 내원사,
Daewon-sa & Byeoksong-sa 대원사, 벽송사
Jogye-san Seonam-sa 조계산 선암사
and, Ma-i-san Tap-sa & Eunsu-sa 마이산 탑사 & 은수사
should be added to go with Ma-i-san Geumdang-sa
I would exclude these 13 from the List as less important:
Goseong County Geumgang-san Geonbong-sa
Jeongbang-san Seongbul-sa (NK) 정방사 성불사
(in fact I will exclude all NK temples, as currently "inactive" and very difficult if not impossible
for many pilgrims to visit. I do like the "All of Korea" theme, but in this case it's inappropriate;
a Great 108 listing from only the South seems best)
Duta-san Gwaneum-am 두타산 관음암
Surak-san Doan-sa 수락산 도안사
Yongin City Seongryun-san Yongdeok-sa 용인시 성륜산 용던사
Suwon City Paldal-gu Gwanggyo-san Bongnyeong-sa 수원시 팔달구 광교산 봉령사
Yeoju City Hyemok-san Godal-saji 여주시 혜목산 고달사지
(ruins of once-great temples not-rebuilt should be excluded, along with Iksan Mireuk-saji & Gyeongju Hwangryong-saji)
Jecheon Deoksan-myeon Waryong-san Gosan-sa 제천 덕산면 와룡산 고산사
Yeongdong County Cheontae-san Yeongguk-sa 영동군 천태산 영국사
Naepo Gaya-san Sangwang-san Gaeshim-sa 내포 가야산 상왕산 개심사
Palgong-san Sudo-sa 팔공산 수도사
Toham-san Gameun-saji 토함산 감은사지
Gokseong-gun Seongdeok-san Gwaneum-sa 곡성군 성덕산 관음사
Yeosu Yeongchui-san Heungguk-sa 여수시 영취산 흥국사
and I would include these onto the List:
(some in same area are grouped-together to maintain the 108)
Taebaek-san Manggyeong-sa 대백산 망경사
Dobong-san Mangwol-sa 도봉산 망월사
Southwestern Samgak-san Cluster of 서남 삼각산
Heungguk-sa, Samcheon-sa & Jingwan-sa 흥국사, 삼천사 & 진관사
added to Samgak-san Gyeongguk-sa
Bulam-san Bulam-sa 불암산 불암사
An-san Bongwon-sa 안산 봉원사
Worak-san Deokju-sa 월악산 덕주사
Poam-san Mireuk-saji 포암산 미륵사지
Toham-san Hamwol-bong Gogul-sa 토함산 함월봉 고굴사
Nam-san Bori-sa 남산 보리사
Nam-san Chilbul-am 남산 칠불암
Jiri-san Beopgye-sa, Naewon-sa, 지리산 법계사, 내원사,
Daewon-sa & Byeoksong-sa 대원사, 벽송사
Jogye-san Seonam-sa 조계산 선암사
and, Ma-i-san Tap-sa & Eunsu-sa 마이산 탑사 & 은수사
should be added to go with Ma-i-san Geumdang-sa
North Korea excluding Gangwon-do: (1)
Jeongbang-san Seongbul-sa (NK) 정방사 성불사
Gangwon-do Province: (15)
Geumgang-san Shingye-sa (NK) 금강산 신계사
Goseong County Geumgang-san Geonbong-sa 고성군 금강산 건봉사
Seorak-san Shinheung-sa 설악산 신흥사
Seorak-san Baekdam-sa 설악산 백담사
Seorak-san Bongjeong-am 설악산 봉정암
Yangyang County Obong-san Naksan-sa with Hongryeon-am 양양군 오봉산 낙산사 & 홍련암
Chuncheon City Obong-san Cheongpyeong-sa 춘천시 오봉산 천평사
Odae-san Sangwon-sa 오대산 상원사
Odae-san Woljeong-sa 오대산 월정사
Duta-san Samhwa-sa 두타산 삼화사
Duta-san Gwaneum-am 두타산 관음암
Chiak-san Guryong-sa 치악산 구룡사
Saja-san Beopheung-sa 사자산 법흥사
Taebaek-san (Hambaek-san) Jeongam-sa 태백산 정암사
Yeongwol County Taebaek-san Bodeok-sa 영월군 태백산 보덕사
Jeongbang-san Seongbul-sa (NK) 정방사 성불사
Gangwon-do Province: (15)
Geumgang-san Shingye-sa (NK) 금강산 신계사
Goseong County Geumgang-san Geonbong-sa 고성군 금강산 건봉사
Seorak-san Shinheung-sa 설악산 신흥사
Seorak-san Baekdam-sa 설악산 백담사
Seorak-san Bongjeong-am 설악산 봉정암
Yangyang County Obong-san Naksan-sa with Hongryeon-am 양양군 오봉산 낙산사 & 홍련암
Chuncheon City Obong-san Cheongpyeong-sa 춘천시 오봉산 천평사
Odae-san Sangwon-sa 오대산 상원사
Odae-san Woljeong-sa 오대산 월정사
Duta-san Samhwa-sa 두타산 삼화사
Duta-san Gwaneum-am 두타산 관음암
Chiak-san Guryong-sa 치악산 구룡사
Saja-san Beopheung-sa 사자산 법흥사
Taebaek-san (Hambaek-san) Jeongam-sa 태백산 정암사
Yeongwol County Taebaek-san Bodeok-sa 영월군 태백산 보덕사
Jeju Province: (1)
Halla-san Gwaneum-sa 한라산 관음사
Halla-san Gwaneum-sa 한라산 관음사
| The semi-official Jogye Order List: roughly north-to-south, by province |
North Chungcheong Province: (3)
Jecheon Deoksan-myeon Waryong-san Gosan-sa 제천 덕산면 와룡산 고산사
Sogni-san Beobju-sa 속리산 법주사
Yeongdong County Cheontae-san Yeongguk-sa 영동군 천태산 영국사
Jecheon Deoksan-myeon Waryong-san Gosan-sa 제천 덕산면 와룡산 고산사
Sogni-san Beobju-sa 속리산 법주사
Yeongdong County Cheontae-san Yeongguk-sa 영동군 천태산 영국사
South Chungcheong Province with Daejeon City: (12)
Cheonan City Taejo-san Gakwon-sa 천안시 태조산 각원사
Cheonan Gwangdeok-san Gwangdeok-sa 천안 광덕산 관덕사
Naepo Gaya-san Sangwang-san Gaeshim-sa 내포 가야산 상왕산 개심사
Gongju City Taehwa-san Magok-sa 공주시 태화산 마곡사
Deoksung-san Sudeok-sa 덕숭산 수덕사
Gyeryong-san Gap-sa 계룡산 갑사
Gyeryong-san Donghak-sa 계룡산 동학사
Gyeryong-san Shinwon-sa 계룡산 신원사
Chilgap-san Janggok-sa 칠갑산 장곡산
Buyeo City Buso-san Gosan-sa 부여시 부소산 고란사
Buyeo City Mansu-san Muryang-sa 부여시 만수산 무량사
Nonsan City Banya-san Gwanchok-sa 논산시 반야산 관촉사
Cheonan City Taejo-san Gakwon-sa 천안시 태조산 각원사
Cheonan Gwangdeok-san Gwangdeok-sa 천안 광덕산 관덕사
Naepo Gaya-san Sangwang-san Gaeshim-sa 내포 가야산 상왕산 개심사
Gongju City Taehwa-san Magok-sa 공주시 태화산 마곡사
Deoksung-san Sudeok-sa 덕숭산 수덕사
Gyeryong-san Gap-sa 계룡산 갑사
Gyeryong-san Donghak-sa 계룡산 동학사
Gyeryong-san Shinwon-sa 계룡산 신원사
Chilgap-san Janggok-sa 칠갑산 장곡산
Buyeo City Buso-san Gosan-sa 부여시 부소산 고란사
Buyeo City Mansu-san Muryang-sa 부여시 만수산 무량사
Nonsan City Banya-san Gwanchok-sa 논산시 반야산 관촉사
North Gyeongsang Province, with Daegu City: (28)
Taebaek-san Buseok-sa 태백산 부석사
Uljin County Cheonchuk-san Bulyeong-sa 울진군 천축산 불영사
Sobaek-san Huibang-sa 소백산 휘방사
Mungyeong County Undal-san Kimryong-sa 문경군 운달산 김룡사
Mungyeong County Sabul-san Daeseung-sa 문경군 사불산 대승사
Mungyeong County Heuiyang-san Bongam-sa 문경군 희양산 봉암사
Hwangak-san Jikji-sa 황악산 직지사
Sudo-san Cheongam-sa & Sudo-am 수도산 청암사 & 수도암
Andong City Hakka-san Cheondeung-bong Bongjeong-sa 안동시 학가산 천등봉 봉정사
Euiseong County Deungun-san Goun-sa 의성군 등운산 고운사
Juwang-san Daejeon-sa 주왕산 대전사
Gumi City Taejo-san Dori-sa 구미시 태조산 도리사
Gumi City Geumo-san Haeun-sa 구미시 금오산 해운사
Palgong-san Sudo-sa 팔공산 수도사
Palgong-san Donghwa-sa 팔공산 동화사
Palgong-san Eunhae-sa 팔공산 은해사
Palgong-san Geojo-am 팔공산 거조암
Palgong-san Pagye-sa 팔공산 파계사
Palgong-san Seonbon-sa (Gat-bawi-bulsang) 팔공산 선본사 (갓바위불상)
Biseul-san Yongyeon-sa 비슬산 용연사
Unmun-san Unmun-sa 운문산 운문사
Gyeongju City 경주시 ancient capital of the Shilla Kingdom:
Pohang City Naeyeon-san Bogyeong-sa 포항시 내연산 보경사
Nak-san Bunhwang-sa 낙산 분황사
Toham-san Bulguk-sa 토함산 불국사
Toham-san Seokgul-am 토함산 석굴암
Toham-san Hamwol-bong Girim-sa 토함산 함월봉 기림사
Toham-san Unje-bong Oeo-sa 토함산 운제봉 오어사
Toham-san Gameun-saji 토함산 감은사지
Taebaek-san Buseok-sa 태백산 부석사
Uljin County Cheonchuk-san Bulyeong-sa 울진군 천축산 불영사
Sobaek-san Huibang-sa 소백산 휘방사
Mungyeong County Undal-san Kimryong-sa 문경군 운달산 김룡사
Mungyeong County Sabul-san Daeseung-sa 문경군 사불산 대승사
Mungyeong County Heuiyang-san Bongam-sa 문경군 희양산 봉암사
Hwangak-san Jikji-sa 황악산 직지사
Sudo-san Cheongam-sa & Sudo-am 수도산 청암사 & 수도암
Andong City Hakka-san Cheondeung-bong Bongjeong-sa 안동시 학가산 천등봉 봉정사
Euiseong County Deungun-san Goun-sa 의성군 등운산 고운사
Juwang-san Daejeon-sa 주왕산 대전사
Gumi City Taejo-san Dori-sa 구미시 태조산 도리사
Gumi City Geumo-san Haeun-sa 구미시 금오산 해운사
Palgong-san Sudo-sa 팔공산 수도사
Palgong-san Donghwa-sa 팔공산 동화사
Palgong-san Eunhae-sa 팔공산 은해사
Palgong-san Geojo-am 팔공산 거조암
Palgong-san Pagye-sa 팔공산 파계사
Palgong-san Seonbon-sa (Gat-bawi-bulsang) 팔공산 선본사 (갓바위불상)
Biseul-san Yongyeon-sa 비슬산 용연사
Unmun-san Unmun-sa 운문산 운문사
Gyeongju City 경주시 ancient capital of the Shilla Kingdom:
Pohang City Naeyeon-san Bogyeong-sa 포항시 내연산 보경사
Nak-san Bunhwang-sa 낙산 분황사
Toham-san Bulguk-sa 토함산 불국사
Toham-san Seokgul-am 토함산 석굴암
Toham-san Hamwol-bong Girim-sa 토함산 함월봉 기림사
Toham-san Unje-bong Oeo-sa 토함산 운제봉 오어사
Toham-san Gameun-saji 토함산 감은사지
North Jeolla Province: (9)
Wanju-gun County Jongnam-san Songgwang-sa 완주군 종남산 송광사
Muju Deogyu-san Jeokseong-san Anguk-sa 무주 덕유산 적성산 안국사
Muju Deogyu-san Baegryeon-sa 무주 더규산 백련사
Moak-san Geumsan-sa 모악산 금산사
Ma-i-san Geumdang-sa 마이산 금당사
Byeon-san Naeso-sa 변산 내소사
Seonun-san Seonun-sa 선운산 선운사
Naejang-san Naejang-sa 내장산 내장사
Jiri-san Shilsang-sa 지리산 실상사
Wanju-gun County Jongnam-san Songgwang-sa 완주군 종남산 송광사
Muju Deogyu-san Jeokseong-san Anguk-sa 무주 덕유산 적성산 안국사
Muju Deogyu-san Baegryeon-sa 무주 더규산 백련사
Moak-san Geumsan-sa 모악산 금산사
Ma-i-san Geumdang-sa 마이산 금당사
Byeon-san Naeso-sa 변산 내소사
Seonun-san Seonun-sa 선운산 선운사
Naejang-san Naejang-sa 내장산 내장사
Jiri-san Shilsang-sa 지리산 실상사
South Gyeongsang Province with Busan City: (9)
Gaya-san Haein-sa 가야산 해인사
Miryang County Jaeyak-san Pyochung-sa 미량군 재약산 표충사
Yangsan Cheonseong-san Naewon-sa 양산 천성산 내원사
Yangsan Yeongchuk-san Tongdo-sa 양산 영축산 통도사
Jiri-san Samshin-bong Ssanggye-sa 지리산 삼신봉 쌍계사
Geumjeong-san Beomeo-sa 금정산 범어사
Yeonhwa-san Okcheon-sa 연화산 옥천사
Namhae-do Geum-san Bori-am 남해도 금산 보리암
Gaya-san Haein-sa 가야산 해인사
Miryang County Jaeyak-san Pyochung-sa 미량군 재약산 표충사
Yangsan Cheonseong-san Naewon-sa 양산 천성산 내원사
Yangsan Yeongchuk-san Tongdo-sa 양산 영축산 통도사
Jiri-san Samshin-bong Ssanggye-sa 지리산 삼신봉 쌍계사
Geumjeong-san Beomeo-sa 금정산 범어사
Yeonhwa-san Okcheon-sa 연화산 옥천사
Namhae-do Geum-san Bori-am 남해도 금산 보리암
South Jeolla Province with Gwangju City: (12)
Naejang-san Baegyang-sa 내장산 백양사
Jiri-san Cheoneun-sa 지리산 천은사
Jiri-san Yeongok-sa 지리산 연곡사
Jiri-san Hwaeom-sa 지리산 화엄사
Hwasun County Cheonbul-san Unju-sa 화순군 천불산 운주사
Jogye-san Songgwang-sa 조계산 송광사
Wolchul-san Dogap-sa 월출산 도갑사
Wolchul-san Muwi-sa 월출산 무의사
Gokseong-gun Seongdeok-san Gwaneum-sa 곡성군 성덕산 관음사
Duryun-san Daeheung-sa 두륜산 대흥사
Yeosu Yeongchui-san Heungguk-sa 여수시 영취산 흥국사
Yeosu Dolsan Island Geumo-san Hyangil-am 여수 돌산도 금오산 향일암
Naejang-san Baegyang-sa 내장산 백양사
Jiri-san Cheoneun-sa 지리산 천은사
Jiri-san Yeongok-sa 지리산 연곡사
Jiri-san Hwaeom-sa 지리산 화엄사
Hwasun County Cheonbul-san Unju-sa 화순군 천불산 운주사
Jogye-san Songgwang-sa 조계산 송광사
Wolchul-san Dogap-sa 월출산 도갑사
Wolchul-san Muwi-sa 월출산 무의사
Gokseong-gun Seongdeok-san Gwaneum-sa 곡성군 성덕산 관음사
Duryun-san Daeheung-sa 두륜산 대흥사
Yeosu Yeongchui-san Heungguk-sa 여수시 영취산 흥국사
Yeosu Dolsan Island Geumo-san Hyangil-am 여수 돌산도 금오산 향일암
Gyeonggi-do Province, Seoul and Incheon Cities: (18)
Soyo-san Jajae-am 소요산 자재암
Namyangju City Unak-san Bongseon-sa 남양주시 운악산 봉선사
Dobong-san Mangwol-sa 도봉산 망월사
Bulam-san Bulam-sa 불암산 불암사
Samgak-san Doseon-sa 삼각산 도선사
Samgak-san Hwagye-sa 삼각산 화계사
Southwestern Samgak-san Cluster, 4 as two items:
Samgak-san Heungguk-sa and Gyeongguk-sa 삼각산 흥국사, 경국사
Samgak-san Samcheon-sa and Jingwan-sa 삼각산 삼천사, 진관사
An-san Bongwon-sa 안산 봉원사
Downtown Seoul Bugak-san Jogye-sa 서월시내 부각산 조계사
Seokmo Island Sangbong-san Bomun-sa 석모도 상봉산 보문사
Mani-san Jeonjuk-bong Jeondeung-sa 마니산 전죽봉 전등사
Gangnam-gu Sudo-san Bongeun-sa 강남구 수도산 봉은사
Gwanak-san Yeonju-am 관악산 연주암
Yongmun-san Yongmun-sa 용문산 용문사
Suwon City / Hwaseong Hwa-san Yongju-sa 수원시 화성 화산 용주사
Yeoju City Namhan River Bongmi-san Shilleuk-sa 여주시 남한강 봉미산 신륵사
Ansan City Chilhyeon-san Chiljang-sa 안산시 칠현산 칠장사
Soyo-san Jajae-am 소요산 자재암
Namyangju City Unak-san Bongseon-sa 남양주시 운악산 봉선사
Dobong-san Mangwol-sa 도봉산 망월사
Bulam-san Bulam-sa 불암산 불암사
Samgak-san Doseon-sa 삼각산 도선사
Samgak-san Hwagye-sa 삼각산 화계사
Southwestern Samgak-san Cluster, 4 as two items:
Samgak-san Heungguk-sa and Gyeongguk-sa 삼각산 흥국사, 경국사
Samgak-san Samcheon-sa and Jingwan-sa 삼각산 삼천사, 진관사
An-san Bongwon-sa 안산 봉원사
Downtown Seoul Bugak-san Jogye-sa 서월시내 부각산 조계사
Seokmo Island Sangbong-san Bomun-sa 석모도 상봉산 보문사
Mani-san Jeonjuk-bong Jeondeung-sa 마니산 전죽봉 전등사
Gangnam-gu Sudo-san Bongeun-sa 강남구 수도산 봉은사
Gwanak-san Yeonju-am 관악산 연주암
Yongmun-san Yongmun-sa 용문산 용문사
Suwon City / Hwaseong Hwa-san Yongju-sa 수원시 화성 화산 용주사
Yeoju City Namhan River Bongmi-san Shilleuk-sa 여주시 남한강 봉미산 신륵사
Ansan City Chilhyeon-san Chiljang-sa 안산시 칠현산 칠장사
Gangwon-do Province: (13)
Seorak-san Shinheung-sa 설악산 신흥사
Seorak-san Baekdam-sa 설악산 백담사
Seorak-san Bongjeong-am 설악산 봉정암
Yangyang County Obong-san Naksan-sa with Hongryeon-am 양양군 오봉산 낙산사 & 홍련암
Chuncheon City Obong-san Cheongpyeong-sa 춘천시 오봉산 천평사
Odae-san Sangwon-sa 오대산 상원사
Odae-san Woljeong-sa 오대산 월정사
Duta-san Samhwa-sa 두타산 삼화사
Chiak-san Guryong-sa 치악산 구룡사
Saja-san Beopheung-sa 사자산 법흥사
Taebaek-san (Hambaek-san) Jeongam-sa 태백산 정암사
Yeongwol County Taebaek-san Bodeok-sa 영월군 태백산 보덕사
Taebaek-san Manggyeong-sa 대백산 망경사
Seorak-san Shinheung-sa 설악산 신흥사
Seorak-san Baekdam-sa 설악산 백담사
Seorak-san Bongjeong-am 설악산 봉정암
Yangyang County Obong-san Naksan-sa with Hongryeon-am 양양군 오봉산 낙산사 & 홍련암
Chuncheon City Obong-san Cheongpyeong-sa 춘천시 오봉산 천평사
Odae-san Sangwon-sa 오대산 상원사
Odae-san Woljeong-sa 오대산 월정사
Duta-san Samhwa-sa 두타산 삼화사
Chiak-san Guryong-sa 치악산 구룡사
Saja-san Beopheung-sa 사자산 법흥사
Taebaek-san (Hambaek-san) Jeongam-sa 태백산 정암사
Yeongwol County Taebaek-san Bodeok-sa 영월군 태백산 보덕사
Taebaek-san Manggyeong-sa 대백산 망경사
Jeju Province: (1)
Halla-san Gwaneum-sa 한라산 관음사
Halla-san Gwaneum-sa 한라산 관음사
North Chungcheong Province: (3)
Worak-san Deokju-sa 월악산 덕주사
Poam-san Mireuk-saji 포암산 미륵사지
Sogni-san Beobju-sa 속리산 법주사
Worak-san Deokju-sa 월악산 덕주사
Poam-san Mireuk-saji 포암산 미륵사지
Sogni-san Beobju-sa 속리산 법주사
South Chungcheong Province with Daejeon City: (10)
Cheonan City Taejo-san Gakwon-sa 천안시 태조산 각원사
Cheonan Gwangdeok-san Gwangdeok-sa 천안 광덕산 관덕사
Gongju City Taehwa-san Magok-sa 공주시 태화산 마곡사
Deoksung-san Sudeok-sa 덕숭산 수덕사
Gyeryong-san Gap-sa 계룡산 갑사
Gyeryong-san Donghak-sa 계룡산 동학사
Gyeryong-san Shinwon-sa 계룡산 신원사
Chilgap-san Janggok-sa 칠갑산 장곡산
Buyeo City Mansu-san Muryang-sa 부여시 만수산 무량사
Nonsan City Banya-san Gwanchok-sa 논산시 반야산 관촉사
Cheonan City Taejo-san Gakwon-sa 천안시 태조산 각원사
Cheonan Gwangdeok-san Gwangdeok-sa 천안 광덕산 관덕사
Gongju City Taehwa-san Magok-sa 공주시 태화산 마곡사
Deoksung-san Sudeok-sa 덕숭산 수덕사
Gyeryong-san Gap-sa 계룡산 갑사
Gyeryong-san Donghak-sa 계룡산 동학사
Gyeryong-san Shinwon-sa 계룡산 신원사
Chilgap-san Janggok-sa 칠갑산 장곡산
Buyeo City Mansu-san Muryang-sa 부여시 만수산 무량사
Nonsan City Banya-san Gwanchok-sa 논산시 반야산 관촉사
North Gyeongsang Province, with Daegu City: (29)
Taebaek-san Buseok-sa 태백산 부석사
Uljin County Cheonchuk-san Bulyeong-sa 울진군 천축산 불영사
Sobaek-san Huibang-sa 소백산 휘방사
Mungyeong County Undal-san Kimryong-sa 문경군 운달산 김룡사
Mungyeong County Sabul-san Daeseung-sa 문경군 사불산 대승사
Mungyeong County Heuiyang-san Bongam-sa 문경군 희양산 봉암사
Hwangak-san Jikji-sa 황악산 직지사
Sudo-san Cheongam-sa & Sudo-am 수도산 청암사 & 수도암
Andong City Hakka-san Cheondeung-bong Bongjeong-sa 안동시 학가산 천등봉 봉정사
Euiseong County Deungun-san Goun-sa 의성군 등운산 고운사
Juwang-san Daejeon-sa 주왕산 대전사
Gumi City Taejo-san Dori-sa 구미시 태조산 도리사
Gumi City Geumo-san Haeun-sa 구미시 금오산 해운사
Palgong-san Donghwa-sa 팔공산 동화사
Palgong-san Eunhae-sa 팔공산 은해사
Palgong-san Geojo-am 팔공산 거조암
Palgong-san Pagye-sa 팔공산 파계사
Palgong-san Seonbon-sa (Gat-bawi) 팔공산 선본사 (갓바위)
Biseul-san Yongyeon-sa 비슬산 용연사
Unmun-san Unmun-sa 운문산 운문사
Gyeongju City 경주시 ancient capital of the Shilla Kingdom:
Pohang City Naeyeon-san Bogyeong-sa 포항시 내연산 보경사
Nak-san Bunhwang-sa 낙산 분황사
Toham-san Bulguk-sa 토함산 불국사
Toham-san Seokgul-am 토함산 석굴암
Toham-san Hamwol-bong Girim-sa 토함산 함월봉 기림사
Toham-san Hamwol-bong Gogul-sa 토함산 함월봉 고굴사
Toham-san Unje-bong Oeo-sa 토함산 운제봉 오어사
Nam-san Chilbul-am 남산 칠불암
Nam-san Bori-sa and Tap-gol Okryong-am 남산 보리사 & 탑골 옥룡암
Taebaek-san Buseok-sa 태백산 부석사
Uljin County Cheonchuk-san Bulyeong-sa 울진군 천축산 불영사
Sobaek-san Huibang-sa 소백산 휘방사
Mungyeong County Undal-san Kimryong-sa 문경군 운달산 김룡사
Mungyeong County Sabul-san Daeseung-sa 문경군 사불산 대승사
Mungyeong County Heuiyang-san Bongam-sa 문경군 희양산 봉암사
Hwangak-san Jikji-sa 황악산 직지사
Sudo-san Cheongam-sa & Sudo-am 수도산 청암사 & 수도암
Andong City Hakka-san Cheondeung-bong Bongjeong-sa 안동시 학가산 천등봉 봉정사
Euiseong County Deungun-san Goun-sa 의성군 등운산 고운사
Juwang-san Daejeon-sa 주왕산 대전사
Gumi City Taejo-san Dori-sa 구미시 태조산 도리사
Gumi City Geumo-san Haeun-sa 구미시 금오산 해운사
Palgong-san Donghwa-sa 팔공산 동화사
Palgong-san Eunhae-sa 팔공산 은해사
Palgong-san Geojo-am 팔공산 거조암
Palgong-san Pagye-sa 팔공산 파계사
Palgong-san Seonbon-sa (Gat-bawi) 팔공산 선본사 (갓바위)
Biseul-san Yongyeon-sa 비슬산 용연사
Unmun-san Unmun-sa 운문산 운문사
Gyeongju City 경주시 ancient capital of the Shilla Kingdom:
Pohang City Naeyeon-san Bogyeong-sa 포항시 내연산 보경사
Nak-san Bunhwang-sa 낙산 분황사
Toham-san Bulguk-sa 토함산 불국사
Toham-san Seokgul-am 토함산 석굴암
Toham-san Hamwol-bong Girim-sa 토함산 함월봉 기림사
Toham-san Hamwol-bong Gogul-sa 토함산 함월봉 고굴사
Toham-san Unje-bong Oeo-sa 토함산 운제봉 오어사
Nam-san Chilbul-am 남산 칠불암
Nam-san Bori-sa and Tap-gol Okryong-am 남산 보리사 & 탑골 옥룡암
North Jeolla Province: (10)
Wanju-gun County Jongnam-san Songgwang-sa 완주군 종남산 송광사
Muju Deogyu-san Jeokseong-san Anguk-sa 무주 덕유산 적성산 안국사
Muju Deogyu-san Baegryeon-sa 무주 더규산 백련사
Ma-i-san Tap-sa & Eunsu-sa 마이산 탑사 & 은수사
Ma-i-san Geumdang-sa 마이산 금당사
Moak-san Geumsan-sa 모악산 금산사
Byeon-san Naeso-sa 변산 내소사
Seonun-san Seonun-sa 선운산 선운사
Naejang-san Naejang-sa 내장산 내장사
Jiri-san Shilsang-sa 지리산 실상사
Wanju-gun County Jongnam-san Songgwang-sa 완주군 종남산 송광사
Muju Deogyu-san Jeokseong-san Anguk-sa 무주 덕유산 적성산 안국사
Muju Deogyu-san Baegryeon-sa 무주 더규산 백련사
Ma-i-san Tap-sa & Eunsu-sa 마이산 탑사 & 은수사
Ma-i-san Geumdang-sa 마이산 금당사
Moak-san Geumsan-sa 모악산 금산사
Byeon-san Naeso-sa 변산 내소사
Seonun-san Seonun-sa 선운산 선운사
Naejang-san Naejang-sa 내장산 내장사
Jiri-san Shilsang-sa 지리산 실상사
South Gyeongsang Province with Busan City: (11)
Gaya-san Haein-sa 가야산 해인사
Gaji-san Seoknam-sa 가지산 석남사
Miryang County Jaeyak-san Pyochung-sa 미량군 재약산 표충사
Yangsan Cheonseong-san Naewon-sa 양산 천성산 내원사
Yangsan Yeongchuk-san Tongdo-sa 양산 영축산 통도사
Jiri-san Beopgye-sa 지리산 법계사
Jiri-san Daewon-sa 지리산 내원사
Jiri-san Samshin-bong Ssanggye-sa 지리산 삼신봉 쌍계사
Geumjeong-san Beomeo-sa 금정산 범어사
Yeonhwa-san Okcheon-sa 연화산 옥천사
Namhae-do Geum-san Bori-am 남해도 금산 보리암
Gaya-san Haein-sa 가야산 해인사
Gaji-san Seoknam-sa 가지산 석남사
Miryang County Jaeyak-san Pyochung-sa 미량군 재약산 표충사
Yangsan Cheonseong-san Naewon-sa 양산 천성산 내원사
Yangsan Yeongchuk-san Tongdo-sa 양산 영축산 통도사
Jiri-san Beopgye-sa 지리산 법계사
Jiri-san Daewon-sa 지리산 내원사
Jiri-san Samshin-bong Ssanggye-sa 지리산 삼신봉 쌍계사
Geumjeong-san Beomeo-sa 금정산 범어사
Yeonhwa-san Okcheon-sa 연화산 옥천사
Namhae-do Geum-san Bori-am 남해도 금산 보리암
South Jeolla Province with Gwangju City: (13)
Naejang-san Baegyang-sa 내장산 백양사
Jiri-san Cheoneun-sa 지리산 천은사
Jiri-san Yeongok-sa 지리산 연곡사
Jiri-san Hwaeom-sa 지리산 화엄사
Hwasun County Cheonbul-san Unju-sa 화순군 천불산 운주사
Jogye-san Songgwang-sa 조계산 송광사
Jogye-san Seonam-sa 조계산 선암사
Wolchul-san Dogap-sa 월출산 도갑사
Wolchul-san Muwi-sa 월출산 무의사
Duryun-san Daeheung-sa 두륜산 대흥사
Yeosu Dolsan Island Geumo-san Hyangil-am 여수 돌산도 금오산 향일암
Naejang-san Baegyang-sa 내장산 백양사
Jiri-san Cheoneun-sa 지리산 천은사
Jiri-san Yeongok-sa 지리산 연곡사
Jiri-san Hwaeom-sa 지리산 화엄사
Hwasun County Cheonbul-san Unju-sa 화순군 천불산 운주사
Jogye-san Songgwang-sa 조계산 송광사
Jogye-san Seonam-sa 조계산 선암사
Wolchul-san Dogap-sa 월출산 도갑사
Wolchul-san Muwi-sa 월출산 무의사
Duryun-san Daeheung-sa 두륜산 대흥사
Yeosu Dolsan Island Geumo-san Hyangil-am 여수 돌산도 금오산 향일암
These 20th Century Temples are large and now-important enough that
they would qualify to be on such a list, if modern temples were included:
Seoul Dongmyo-area Myogak-sa with Anyang-am 묘각사 & 안양암
Sobaek-san Shinseon-bong Guin-sa 소백산 신선봉 구인사
Busan City Gijang-myeon Haedong Yonggung-sa 부산시 기장면 해동 용궁사
Busan City Cheontae-jong Samgwang-sa 부산시 천태종 삼광사
Jeju-do Halla-san Seondeok-sa 제주도 한라산 선덕사
Jeju-do Seogwipo Yakcheon-sa 제주도 서귀포 약천사
they would qualify to be on such a list, if modern temples were included:
Seoul Dongmyo-area Myogak-sa with Anyang-am 묘각사 & 안양암
Sobaek-san Shinseon-bong Guin-sa 소백산 신선봉 구인사
Busan City Gijang-myeon Haedong Yonggung-sa 부산시 기장면 해동 용궁사
Busan City Cheontae-jong Samgwang-sa 부산시 천태종 삼광사
Jeju-do Halla-san Seondeok-sa 제주도 한라산 선덕사
Jeju-do Seogwipo Yakcheon-sa 제주도 서귀포 약천사
| Then, David A. Mason's unofficial List: (great modern temples not included) roughly north-to-south, by province |