4 Unusual Temples to Discover on a Trip to South Korea
A trip to South Korea would be incomplete without visiting some of its many Buddhist temples
A trip to South Korea would be incomplete without visiting some of its many Buddhist temples! And for good reason—these religious structures each have their own character and offer insights into Korean Buddhist culture. To give you an idea of what awaits, we invite you today to discover 4 unusual and distinctive Korean temples.
1. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, by the Sea
We begin our journey near the city of Busan and the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. Unlike most Buddhist temples in South Korea, which are situated inland and in the mountains, this temple is perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. Built during the Goryeo Dynasty in 1376 by Naong, it is dedicated to Haesu Gwaneum Daebul, the great Buddhist goddess of the sea.
To explore all the temple's wonders, we recommend arriving early in the morning. You might also choose to visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple at sunrise or sunset!
2. Haeinsa Temple and Its Tripitaka
If there's one temple you shouldn't miss on a trip to South Korea, it's this one! Located in the heart of the country on Mount Gaya in the Gayasan National Park, Haeinsa Temple is a true haven of peace. What makes it renowned? It houses the famous Tripitaka Koreana. This is a collection of sacred texts—the world's oldest and most complete intact version of the Buddhist canon. Preserved as magnolia wood tablets, there are precisely 81,258 of them.
Beyond this national treasure, the temple is renowned for its Temple Stay program, which allows you to sleep within the temple and experience an unforgettable time with the monks…
To learn more about Temple Stay, discover our article: Spend a Night in Temple Stay in South Korea
3. Golgulsa Temple to Watch Monks Practice Sonmudo
Head to the Gyeongju region in southern South Korea to discover Golgulsa Temple. Although the temple was carved into a volcanic cave, what makes it distinctive isn't its architecture. Rather, this temple is known for the practice of sonmudo, a Korean Buddhist martial art performed by warrior monks. Simply put, it's a form of dynamic yoga blending breathing, movement, and meditation.
Good to know: like Haeinsa Temple, Golgulsa Temple welcomes visitors through the Temple Stay program and gives them the chance to try sonmudo!
4. Tapsa Temple and Its 80 Stone Stupas
Tapsa Buddhist Temple sits at the foot of Mount Maisan in the Jeolla Province of northern South Korea. It ranks among the most unusual Korean temples because it features nearly 80 stone stupas stacked one upon the other. Behind this creation? Yi Gap-yong, a royal descendant. He built around 120 stone pagodas himself, some reaching heights of 10 to 15 meters!
Today, 80 of these pagodas have endured and continue to stand without ever being sealed… Incredible, isn't it?
Frequently asked questions
Unlike the vast majority of Buddhist temples in South Korea, which are located in the mountains, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is built on a cliff face overlooking the sea near Busan. This exceptional location makes it one of the country's most photographed sites, especially at sunrise and sunset.
The Tripitaka Koreana is the world's oldest and most complete intact version of the Buddhist canon. It consists of 81,258 magnolia wood tablets engraved with sacred texts. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is preserved at Haeinsa Temple, located in Gayasan National Park.
Yes, several Korean temples offer a program called 'Temple Stay,' which allows visitors to sleep within the temple and share the daily life of monks. Haeinsa and Golgulsa temples offer this program in particular. It's a unique experience to discover Korean Buddhism from within.
Sonmudo is a Korean Buddhist martial art practiced by the warrior monks of Golgulsa Temple. It blends breathing, dynamic movements, and meditation, resembling a form of martial yoga. Visitors can observe it during demonstrations and even learn its basics as part of the Temple Stay program.
Tapsa Temple sits at the foot of Mount Maisan in Jeolla Province in northern South Korea. The nearest access point is the town of Jinan. From Seoul, you can reach the region by train or intercity bus. The temple is famous for its 80 stone stupas stacked without mortar, some reaching 10 to 15 meters in height.
