Seonunsa Temple
선운사
A Baekje-era temple at the foot of Seonunsan in Gochang. It is famous across the country for the 3,000 camellia trees behind the temple, which bloom in spring, and for the red spider lilies that cover the hills in early autumn.
Seonunsa is said to have been founded in 577 and is one of the major head temples of the Jogye Order. The forest of about 3,000 camellia trees behind the temple is a natural monument. The trees bloom from late March to April. In mid to late September, the valley on both sides of the stream is covered with red spider lilies, which are beautifully reflected in the water. In November, the valley's autumn foliage is equally famous. A path follows the stream up to Dosolam Hermitage and a huge rock-carved Buddha on the cliff, a round trip of about 2 hours. Since 2023, admission has been free. The temple is about 20 minutes by car from the Gochang dolmens, and about 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from Jeonju.
Opening hours
Approx. 06:00–19:00
Nearby sights
- Gochang Dolmen Site
- Naesosa Temple
- Chaeseokgang Cliffs
- Naejangsan National Park
- Gunsan Modern History District
- Geumsansa Temple & Moaksan
- Jeonju National Museum
- Samcheon-dong Makgeolli Alley