Five incredible temples that you should visit in South Korea; they are unique because of their beauty, serenity, majesty, and remoteness. Have you seen them?
There are many beautiful temples in South Korea. I haven’t seen them all, but I have seen five that impressed me so much that I would recommend adding at least one of them to your South Korea itinerary.
1) Seoamjeongsa Temple (서암정사)
Mysterious, serene and majestic: in Jirisan National Park lies Seoamjeongsa Temple. The Heavenly Kings guard the entrance to the temple complex that consists of a beautiful main hall, the bell building overlooking the valley, a small pond, and a cave with rock-carvings.
Location: 279-2, Chuseong-ri, Macheon-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea
Read more: Meet the Guardians of Seoamjeongsa Temple
2) Maisan Stone Tower (마이산 돌탑)
Reclusive, with piles and piles of stones, in front of a grey mountainside in Maisan Provincial Park. It looks colorless and remote, yet there is so much to see and there are many decorations, statues, and structures to spot. Don’t miss the Buddha statues hidden in the alcoves on the mountainside.
From Maisan Stone Tower you can walk to another temple: Eunsusa (은수사).
Location: 367 Maisannam-ro, Maryeong-myeon, Jinan-gun, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
3) Bomunsa Temple (보문사)
A gathering of disciples surrounding a stone pagoda greets you when you visit. Bomunsa Temple on Seokmodo Island (near Seoul!) feels regal yet modest. Climb the stairs to see the buddha carved in the stone wall overlooking the sea.
Location: 44 Samsannam-ro 828beon-gil, Samsan-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, South Korea
4) Guinsa Temple
Hidden in a green valley near Sobaeksan National Park lies Guinsa Temple. If it weren’t a temple, it could have been a military fort defending the mountain pass. The golden look of the main temple on the platform overlooking the valley is something you can’t miss on your visit to Danyang (bring your hiking spirit!). Even though it was almost 4 PM, after seeing the pictures of Guinsa Temple online I just had to go up there.
Location: 73 Guinsa-gil, Yeongchun-myeon, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea
5) Dosolam Hermitage (도솔암)
A small structure hidden between (or held up by) the mountain. This one has the most beautiful view. Enjoy the walk there while admiring the view of the Haenam area and islands. The rocky mountain range in this area is very different from the massive mountains with tall green trees surrounding the other temples on this list. This temple comes with its own toilet building that is bigger than the Hermitage itself. You can visit this temple on your way to and from Wando Island.
Location: Mabong-ri, Songji-myeon, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea
Which of these is your favorite temple in South Korea? Feel free to share any other incredible South Korean temples you encountered on your travels.
