Sansa, Buddhist Mountain Monasteries in Korea (hereafter “Sansa”) is the collective name for 7 Korean mountain temples: Tongdosa, Buseoksa, Bongjeongsa, Beopjusa, Magoksa, Seonamsa, and Daeheungsa. These temples reflect diverse Buddhist sects of the 7th–9th centuries when they were established. They are comprehensive monasteries where practice, faith, and the lifestyles of both monastics and lay Buddhists continue uninterrupted. In recognition of these facts, they were registered on the World Heritage List in June 2018.

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The 7 temples have preserved numerous structures, artifacts, and texts based on long history and continuity as Buddhist mountain monasteries since their establishment. Mountain temples commonly blend their temple compounds with the surrounding mountains as an open space without any demarcating barriers, creating harmony with the natural terrain. These mountain temples have one or more courtyards, and square courtyards are often bordered by pavilions, a lecture hall, and a dormitory on each side. This spatial layout reflects not only the selfreliant character of the monastic community, but also the tradition of temple operation and management, monastic education, Seon practice, and learning of tenets.

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“Sansa, Buddhist Mountain Monasteries in Korea” is a living heritage embodying the transformation of Korean Buddhism over its long history. These monasteries have preserved without interruption the long and continued spiritual practice of Korean Buddhism.

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1 Tongdosa Temple

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2 Buseoksa Temple

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3 Bongjeongsa Temple

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4 Beopjusa Temple

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5 Magoksa Temple

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6 Seonamsa Temple

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7 Daeheungsa Temple

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