# 33 Most Beautiful Temples in South Korea > We rounded up 33 Buddhist temples in South Korea where history meets nature. Discover which ancient sanctuaries are worth seeing with your own eyes. - URL: https://langandtrip.com.ua/en/article/33-naikrasyvishi-khramy-pivdennoi-korei/ - Language: en - Published: 2024-10-03 - Categories: Culture, Historic Sites, Mountains, Tours, Korea, Relaxation --- South Korea is home to roughly 900 traditional Buddhist temples and around 20,000 in total. Visiting any of these local places of worship, many of them centuries old, can be a humbling, calming, or inspiring experience. Many of them are tucked away in the mountains across the country, usually in spots believed to have the best pungsu (feng shui) in the area. But for all their endless beauty and sheer number, even the most devoted pilgrim doesn't need to visit all 900. The 33 temples listed below, 33 to match the Buddha's 33 steps to enlightenment, are simply breathtaking. ## Manggyeongsa (망경사) ![Manggyeongsa Temple high on Mount Taebaek](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-1-2024.jpg) Manggyeongsa Temple sits on Mount Taebaek at an altitude of 1,460 meters. According to legend, a stone statue of the Bodhisattva of Wisdom appeared on the site of Manggyeongsa. When Jajang, a monk from the Silla dynasty (57 BC to 935 AD), heard about it, he built a temple to house the statue. The "Dragon Spring" near the temple entrance is known as the highest spring in Korea. Hyeol-dong, Taebaek-si, Gangwon-do Province (강원도 태백시 혈동) ## Taeansa (태안사) ![Taeansa Temple surrounded by autumn forest](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-2-2024.jpg) Taeansa Temple is especially beautiful in autumn, when the dense forest around it turns red and gold. The 2.3-kilometer access road leading up to the temple, along with the 1.8-kilometer valley it sits in, makes for a lovely route any time of year. Nearby attractions include Neungpa Tower, a refined traditional site not far from the valley on Mount Dongni, the village of Gokseong Hanulnari (an agriculture-themed village) five kilometers away, and a sledding slope. 622-215 Taean-ro, Jukgok-myeon, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do Province (전라남도 공성군 죽곡면 태안로 622-215) ## Naejangsa (내장사) ![Naejangsa Temple in Naejangsan National Park](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-3-2024.jpg) Although Naejangsa is believed to have first been built in 636, most of its current buildings went up after the Jeongyujaeran (the Japanese invasion of 1597) and the Korean War. The scenic beauty of its surroundings, especially Naejangsan National Park, is particularly striking for its autumn foliage. 1253 Naejangsan-ro, Jeongeup-si, Jeollabuk-do Province (전라북도 정읍시 내장산로 1253) ## Daejeonsa (대전사) ![Daejeonsa Temple with a view of Mount Juwang](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-4-2024.jpg) Daejeonsa is the largest temple in Cheongsong-gun, and its majestic view of Mount Juwang is one of the finest in the country. Daejeonsa's most famous building, Bogwangjeon, is South Korea's Treasure No. 1570, and inside the temple a wooden block preserves a handwritten letter from Li Yeo-song, a general of the Ming dynasty, to Samyeong Daesa. 226 Gongwon-gil, Budong-myeon, Cheongsong-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province (경상북도 청송군 부동면 공원길 226) ## Cheongpyeongsa (청평사) ![Cheongpyeongsa Temple near Soyang Lake](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-5-2024.jpg) According to the legend surrounding this temple, a man loved a princess so deeply that he turned into a snake and would not leave her alone. When she begged to be released so she could fetch some rice from the temple, the snake let her go, then set off to look for her, only to be struck by lightning and die. The princess then buried it at the temple. Visitors to Cheongpyeongsa can also take a boat ride on Soyang Lake and stroll through a beautiful valley and past a waterfall, making for a perfect weekend getaway. 674 Cheongpyeong 1-ri, Buksan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do Province (강원도 춘천시 북산면 청평 1리 674) ## Beopjusa (법주사) ![Beopjusa Temple and its wooden pagoda](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-6-2024.jpg) With more than 60 buildings and 70 hermitages, Beopjusa was a grand, imposing temple before it burned down during the Japanese invasion of South Korea in 1592. Today the temple has 30 buildings and many cultural treasures, including the tallest pagoda still standing in South Korea (a five-story wooden pagoda 22.7 meters high), which is also a national treasure. 405 Beopjusa-ro, Songnisan-myeon, Boeun-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do Province (충청북도 보은군 속리산면 법주사로 405) ## Gangcheonsa (강천사) ![Gangcheonsa Temple and its five-story stone pagoda](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-7-2024.jpg) The year 316 marked a milestone for Gangcheonsa, when a five-story stone pagoda was added to the temple. It's said that at one point 1,000 monks stayed here. Beyond the cultural treasures inside the temple, various sights lie nearby, such as the fortress on Mount Geumseong, Yongso Waterfall, Gangcheon Lake, Damyang Lake, and Naejang National Park. 270 Gangcheonsan-gil, Paldeok-myeon, Sunchang-gun, Jeollabuk-do Province (전라북도 순창군 팔덕면 강천산길 270) ## Buseoksa (부석사) ![Buseoksa Temple and its ancient wooden hall](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-8-2024.jpg) Buseoksa counts five national treasures among its cultural assets and is one of the 10 largest temples in South Korea. Muryangsujeon at Buseoksa (South Korea's National Treasure No. 18) is one of the oldest wooden buildings in Korea. "If you love flowers, spring is the best season; if you love lush green trees, summer; for autumn leaves, fall; and the sunsets are especially beautiful in winter," says the temple's manager, adding that it is very popular with many Japanese and Chinese visitors. 148 Bukji-ri, Buseok-myeon, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province (경상북도 영주시 부석면 북지리 148) ## Cheoneunsa (천은사) ![Cheoneunsa Temple on Mount Jiri](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-9-2024.jpg) One of the three largest temples on Mount Jiri, Cheoneunsa has seen its share of drama: it was first built in 828, burned down during the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592, rebuilt in 1610, burned again in 1676, rebuilt the following year, caught fire once more in 1773, and was finally restored in 1775. According to legend, when people were rebuilding the temple after 1592, they killed a large snake that kept appearing near the nearest spring. When the spring dried up and the temple kept catching fire, the locals came to believe the snake must have been the guardian spirit of the water. When Wongyo Lee Gwang-sa, one of the four most famous masters of calligraphy of the Joseon dynasty (1392 to 1910), heard this story, he wrote "Cheoneunsa" in a flowing style and hung it in the temple, and since then Cheoneunsa has never had another fire. 209 Nogodan-ro, Gwangui-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do Province (전라남도 구례군 광의면 노고단로 209) ## Geumsansa (금산사) ![Geumsansa Temple and its stone pagodas](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-10-2024.jpg) First built in 599, Geumsansa Temple holds several treasures, including stone pagodas, a stone lantern, and a lotus-flower-shaped pedestal. Geumsan-ri, Geumsan-myeon, Gimje-si, Jeollabuk-do Province (전라북도 김제시 금산면 금산리 39번지) ## Golgulsa (골굴사) ![Golgulsa cave temple carved into a cliff](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-11-2024.jpg) A cave temple built into a limestone cliff in the Hamwol mountains, Golgulsa Temple has grown popular as the place where Sunmudo is practiced, a Zen martial art and training method secretly passed down from generation to generation. The temple has 12 large limestone caves, and a Buddha is carved in relief into the rock at the highest point of the cliff. Anyone who wants to take part in Sunmudo training can look into the temple-stay program at Golgulsa, but keep in mind you'll have to be up at 4 a.m. 304-1 San Andong-ri, Yangbuk-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province (경상북도 경주시 양북면 안동리 산 304-1) ## Saseongam (사성암) ![Saseongam Temple perched among cliffs](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-12-2024.jpg) The stone steps at this temple got their share of fame when actress Lee Da-hae filmed a now-famous scene here for the historical drama "Chuno." The small temple, tucked between large cliffs, is known for its beautiful, steep stone steps decorated with tiles. The stunning view of the Seomjingang River and Mount Jiri is well worth the climb. 303 Saseongam-gil, Muncheok-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do Province (전라남도 구례군 문척면 사성암길 303) ## Hyangiram (향일암) ![Hyangiram Temple overlooking the southern coast](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-13-2024.jpg) Although an unfortunate fire in 2009 destroyed a number of the temple's buildings, Hyangiram's view of the southern coast and Mount Geumo makes it one of the best places to visit in South Korea. The mountain trail up to the temple is a little steep, but visitors come to see the 500-year-old camellia tree at the village entrance and the spectacle of the sun rising out of the southern sea. The Hyangiram Sunrise Festival is held here at the end of every year. 60 Hyangiram-ro, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do Province (전라남도 여수시 돌산읍 향일암로 60) ## Magoksa (마곡사) ![Magoksa Temple by a mountain stream](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-14-2024.jpg) Magoksa was a large temple with 30 rooms when it was first built in 640, but after numerous reconstructions and rebuilds not many buildings remain. Those that do, however, are significant and hold a dozen treasures and cultural assets. 966 Magoksa-ro, Sagok-myeon, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do Province (충청남도 공주시 사공면 마곡사로 966) ## Samhwasa (삼화사) ![Samhwasa Temple in a wooded valley](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-15-2024.jpg) Samhwasa originally stood 1.3 kilometers east of where it stands now. However, the Japanese army burned the 200-room temple during an attack on the Korean volunteers who were using it as their base. Today the temple offers various stay programs, including a one-day option. 176 Samhwa-dong, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do Province (강원도 동해시 삼화동 176번지) ## Baekheungam (백흥암) This small temple, home to Buddhist nuns, is closed to visitors except on Buddha's birthday, a date that shifts from year to year because it follows the Asian lunisolar calendar. In 2020 it fell on April 30. The beautiful magnolias in front of the entrance make a wonderful spot for a photo shoot. Chiin-ri, Cheongtong-myeon, Yeongcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province (경상북도 영천시 청통면 치인리) ## Tongdosa (통도사) ![Tongdosa Temple, one of Korea's three jewel temples](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-16-2024.jpg) Along with Haeinsa Temple and Songgwangsa Temple, Tongdosa is considered one of South Korea's three "jewel temples." It's also known as Bulbo Temple (불보사찰) because it enshrines the jinsinsari of the Buddha, a relic of the Buddha's body. It holds several cultural assets, the greatest being the temple's main hall, which is itself an official national treasure. 108 Tongdosa-ro, Habuk-myeon, Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do Province (경산남도 양산시 하북면 통도사로 108) ## Boriam (보리암) ![Boriam Temple on a cliffside](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-17-2024.jpg) Boriam stands on a cliff on Chuwolsan, a mountain famous for its stunning scenery. The view from the temple takes in strange rock formations, rugged cliffs, glimpses of the tiled roofs of the temple buildings through pine branches, and a sweeping vista of Damyang Lake. 81 San Wolgye-ri, Yong-myeon, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do Province (전라남도 담양군 용면 월계리 산 81번지) ## Songgwangsa (송광사) ![Songgwangsa Temple and its arched bridge](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-18-2024.jpg) One of Korea's three jewel temples, Songgwangsa was originally a small temple called Gilsangsa, built during the Unified Silla period. Songgwangsa regards the practice of asceticism as most important. It has more Buddhist monasteries than Buddhist altars, and most of its cultural assets are ancient documents and Buddhist instruments rather than buildings. A stream flowing down from Mount Jogye was dammed to form an artificial pond at the temple entrance, and an elegant arched bridge stands over it, creating a beautiful gateway. 100 Songgwangsaan-gil, Songgwang-myeon, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do Province (전남 순천시 송광면 송광사안길 100) ## Oeosa (오어사) ![Oeosa Temple beside Oo Lake](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-19-2024.jpg) Oeosa, which boasts the scenic beauty of Oo Lake and its rocky cliffs, was built during the reign of King Jinpyeong of the Silla dynasty. There's an interesting legend behind the temple's name. When Wonhyo Daesa and Hyegong Sunsa, two of the four most important Buddhist figures of the Silla dynasty, were practicing asceticism at this temple, they competed to see who could bring a fish back to life with their Buddhist power. One fish revived and the other died, so each monk claimed the living fish was the one he had revived. Oo means "my fish." Hangsa-ri, Ocheon-eup, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province (경상북도 포항시 남구 오천읍 항사리) ## Cheongnyangsa (청량사) ![Cheongnyangsa Temple surrounded by dramatic rock formations](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-20-2024.jpg) Cheongnyangsa Temple is ringed by dramatic rock formations. The temple stands in front of a rock wall among countless mountain peaks and bizarre crags. Many legendary scholars, such as Toegye Lee Hwang and Wonhyo Daesa, studied at this temple. A visit should also include a tour of the eight caves named after the eminent figures who studied here. 199-152 Cheongnyangsan-gil, Myeongho-myeon, Bonghwa-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province (경상북도 봉화군 명호면 청량산길 199-152) ## Seonamsa (선암사) ![Seonamsa Temple and its stone bridge](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-21-2024.jpg) Described in a poem by the Goryeo scholar Kim Geuk-gi as a "lonely and quiet temple of asceticism," Seonamsa is known as the birthplace of novelist Jo Jung-rae. The temple is also famous for the wild tea that grows nearby. Seonamsa's wild tea, grown in the shade of cedars and oaks, is said to have an earthy, deep flavor. "The temple entrance is very good for meditation," says visitor Oh Mi-jeong, 49, who came after hearing about the beauty of the temple's stone bridge and the temple itself. "It's too cold here in winter, but I want to come back in spring or autumn." 802 Jukhak-ri, Seungju-eup, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do Province (전라남도 순천시 승주읍 죽학리 802) ## Botapsa (보탑사) ![Botapsa Temple and its three-story wooden pagoda](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-22-2024.jpg) Botapsa has a short history compared with the many thousand-year-old temples on this list, but it has a three-story wooden pagoda, the only one in South Korea you can actually climb, and beautiful scenery graced with more than 200 different species of wildflowers. Botapsa currently offers three different temple-stay programs. 641 Gimyusin-gil, Jincheon-eup, Jincheon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do Province (충청북도 진천군 진천읍 김유신길 641) ## Hwaeomsa (화엄사) ![Hwaeomsa Temple, home to several national treasures](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-23-2024.jpg) Hwaeomsa is an ancient temple that took centuries to complete; its first two buildings were erected in 544, with expansions added in 643 and 875. The temple burned down during the Japanese invasion of South Korea in 1592, and the final reconstruction was finished in 1636. It houses numerous cultural assets, including four national treasures, one of which is the largest wooden building in Korea, five treasures, and one natural monument. Cherry trees are planted along Route 19, from Hadong to the temple, offering drivers a fantastic view every spring. 539 Hwaeomsa-ro, Masan-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do Province (전라남도 구례군 마산면 화엄사로 539) ## Tapsa (탑사) ![Tapsa Temple and its stacked stone towers](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-24-2024.jpg) Tapsa Temple is the subject of many mysteries, including how its countless centuries-old stone towers were built without any glue, cement, or grooves, right up to their upturned icicle-like tips. Some of the 80 stone towers rise more than 15 meters high, yet they have never toppled despite typhoons and strong winds. It's said that a scholar in the 19th century first built a stone tower here while reciting purifying prayers for all humankind. The cherry-blossom-lined road 500 meters below the temple adds one more reason to visit. Maisan Tapsa, 8 Dongchon-ri, Maryeong-myeon, Jinan-gun, Jeollabuk-do Province (전라북도 진안군 마령면 동촌리 8 마이산탑사) ## Unjusa (운주사) ![Unjusa Temple with its many stone Buddhas and pagodas](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-25-2024.jpg) Unjusa Temple is famous for its many stone Buddhas and stone pagodas. According to records, the temple once had 1,000 of each, but today only 17 pagodas and 80 stone Buddhas survive. The stone Buddhas and pagodas here come in various shapes and sizes, and experts travel here to study the sculpting techniques. 91-44 Cheontae-ro, Doam-myeon, Hwasun-gun, Jeollanam-do Province (전라남도 화순군 도암면 천태로 91-44) ## Daeheungsa (대흥사) ![Daeheungsa Temple amid dense forest](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-26-2024.jpg) Daeheungsa stands out for its magnificent scenery of dense forests, fields of silver grass, and views of the archipelago off South Korea's western and southern coasts. Historians disagree about when the temple was actually built, but the most widely accepted theory holds that it was erected by the Unified Silla period (676 AD). 799 Guryeom-ri, Samsan-myeon, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do Province (전남 해남군 삼산면 구렴리 799) ## Ssangbongsa (쌍봉사) ![Ssangbongsa Temple between two mountain peaks](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-27-2024.jpg) Ssangbongsa, which literally means a pair of peaks, is named this way because there is one mountain peak in front of the temple and one right behind it. Ssangbongsa's main hall was designated a treasure but lost that status when it burned down in a fire. It was, of course, rebuilt. 459 Ssangsanui-ro, Iyang-myeon, Hwasun-gun, Jeollanam-do Province (전라남도 화순군 이양면 쌍산의로 459) ## Beomeosa (범어사) ![Beomeosa Temple in the mountains above Busan](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-28-2024.jpg) Built in 678 by Uisang Daesa, Beomeosa Temple is one of the three largest temples in Gyeongsang Province. It was one of the largest temples of the Silla dynasty at its founding, but everything was lost to fire during the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592, though it was rebuilt in 1613. Besides the treasures and cultural assets found at the temple, there are various sights here, such as a field of rattan vines, classified as a national monument, and 11 different hermitages in the mountains. 250 Beomeosa-ro, Geumjeong-gu, Busan (부산광역시 금정구 범어사로 250) ## Yeongoksa (연곡사) ![Yeongoksa Temple and its sanctuary](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-29-2024.jpg) Yeongoksa has an interesting history. When Yeongi Josa, the temple's founder, first came to the site, there was a pond where the sanctuary now stands. He was gazing into the pond when it formed a whirlpool, and a lone swallow flew out of it. He then filled in the pond, built the temple, and named it Yeongoksa (yeon means lotus, ok means curved or swirled). 219 Naedong-ri, Toji-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do Province (전라남도 구례군 토지면 내동리 219) ## Cheonchuksa (천축사) ![Cheonchuksa Temple on Mount Dobong](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-30-2024.jpg) Cheonchuksa got its name from Jigong, an Indian monk who visited the site during the Goryeo dynasty and said the landscape resembled a mountain in Cheonchuk, which meant "India." The temple was expanded and rebuilt several times in the 15th, 16th, and 19th centuries, and its current form and structure were refined in 2005. 92-2 Dobongsan-gil, Dobong-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 도봉구 도봉산길 92-2) ## Sujongsa (수종사) ![Sujongsa Temple overlooking the Bukhan River](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-31-2024.jpg) Perched atop Mount Ungil (610 meters), Sujongsa Temple offers visitors a wonderful view of the high and low mountain peaks and the Bukhan River. It's unclear when the temple was built, but it's thought to date to the early Joseon dynasty (1392 to 1910). According to legend, King Sejo once spent the night in Yangsu-ri and heard the sound of a bell in the distance. The next day the king had his courtiers search for the bell, but it turned out the sound came from drops of water falling into a rock cave. He must have liked how it sounded, because he then built a temple on the spot and named it Sujongsa, or "water bell temple." 1060 Songchon 1-ri, Joan-myeon, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do Province (경기도 남양주시 조안면 송촌 1리 1060) ## Bulyeongsa (불영사) ![Bulyeongsa Temple in a lush valley](/storage/image/prev/august-article-image-94-32-2024.jpg) Named Bulyeongsa, which means "temple of the Buddha's shadow" because a shadow of the Buddha is said to have once appeared in the temple's pond, this temple sits in the middle of Bulyeongsa Valley and boasts an extraordinary view of lush forest and crystal-clear water. 48 Bulyeongsa-gil, Seo-myeon, Uljin-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province (경상북도 울진군 서면 불영사길 48)