This park is home to two noteworthy temples, Songgwang-sa to the west and Seonam-sa to the east. A spectacular 8km hike (about four hours) connects the two temples. You can also take a detour over the peak of Janggun-bong (884m).
Songgwang-sa is considered one of the three jewels of Korean Buddhism (along with Tongdo-sa and Haein-sa, in Gyeongsangnam-do). Featured in the Little Monk movie, it is a regional head temple of the Jogye sect, by far the largest in Korean Buddhism. It is also one of the oldest Zen temples in Korea, founded in the 10th century, although most of the buildings date from the 17th century. Songgwang-sa is known for having produced many prominent Zen masters over the years, and today the temple is home to a community of monks. A templestay (₩50,000) is available here.
Seonam-sa is a quieter hermitage dating back to AD 875, where the monks study and try to preserve the old ways. Below Seonam-sa is Seungseongyo , one of Korea’s most exquisite ancient granite bridges, with a dragon’s head hanging from the top of the arch.
Buses leave approximately every 45 minutes to Seonam-sa (₩1200, one hour) and Songgwang-sa (₩1200, 1½ hours) from Suncheon bus terminal; there are also direct buses to Sonngwang-sa from Gwangju (₩1700, 1½ hours, five daily).
