Songgwangsa translation: Spreading Pine Temple; alternates: Songgwang-sa, or Songgwang Sa, or Songkwangsa; also known as: Piney Expanse Monastery; originally: Gilsangsa, one of the three jewels of Seon Buddhism, is located in South Jeolla Province on Mount Songgwangsan on the Korean Peninsula. Situated approximately 18 miles away from the sea, it is within the Jogyesan Provincial Park.
While founded in 867, it fell into disuse but was re-established in 1190 by Seon master Jinul. Jinul's meditation teachings evolved from this monastery and contributed significantly to the Seon practice that prevails to this day in Korea. Songgwangsa is considered the "jewel" of the Korean monastic community. Though smaller in size, it is considered as the greatest among the trio of Three Jewels Temples representing “the Buddha, the dharma, and the sangha". The other two of the trio, Tongdosa and Haeinsa, are located in South Gyeongsang Province.
This monastery, though under the jurisdiction of the Jogye Order in Seoul, functions as an autonomous body.