Sansa () is a term for any Korean Buddhist temple located on a mountain. Seven of these temples are designated as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites. With the country being largely mountainous and Buddhism deeply rooted in its history, there are many sansas across the country.

Background There are several philosophical reasons why temples in Korea are usually located in mountains. The first reason is mountain worship. As indigenous mountain worship was absorbed into Buddhism, famous mountains were named after Buddha and Bodhisattva and temples were built there. The second reason is to protect the nation and uphold Buddhist law. For example, the establishment of Beomeosa in Busan which is close to Japan can be seen as a strong will to defend the country. The third reason is transcendence. Buddhism was seen as a means of guiding the secular world and harmony with nature was emphasized.

UNESCO World Heritage sansas SansaLocationEstablishedTongdosa()Yangsan646Buseoksa()Yeongju676Bongjeongsa()Andong677Beopjusa()Boeun CountyMid 8th CenturyMagoksa()GongjuLatter half of the 9th CenturySeonamsa()SuncheonLatter half of the 9th CenturyDaeheungsa()Haenam CountyLatter half of the 9th Century

See also Buddhist temples in Korea

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