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Jumunjin Area
Hyundeoksa Temple
yundeoksa Temple often surprises visitors who initially come expecting a large complex but find it modest in size.
Introduction Hyundeoksa Temple often surprises visitors who initially come expecting a large complex but find it modest in size. However, many are captivated by its beautiful natural surroundings and recognize it as a temple boasting stunning scenic views. Especially at night, the temple offers a romantic atmosphere with white Korean spiraea flowers blending beautifully under a moonlit sky. Tourist guide Though small, Hyundeoksa has become known for its breathtaking natural backdrop that leaves visitors in awe. The temple’s night view is particularly enchanting, where the white spiraea flowers harmonize with the moonlight, creating a serene and romantic setting. Tourist Tips Located on the mid-slope of Manwolsan Mountain, Hyundeoksa offers visitors a chance to relax amidst beautiful nature. Hiking up Manwolsan and visiting Hyundeoksa provides an opportunity for spiritual cultivation and stress relief while enjoying fresh air and scenic views.After visiting Hyundeoksa, be sure to explore nearby attractions. Gyeongpo Beach, about 20 minutes away, is the largest beach in the area, famous for its cool ocean views, white sandy shores, and dense pine forests that create a perfect retreat.Jeongdongjin, approximately 40 minutes from Hyundeoksa, is famous for the popular drama Sandglass. Once a small fishing village near an abandoned mine, it is now a major tourist destination known for its dramatic cliffs, lush pine forests, and white sandy beaches.
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Jeong Dong Jin, Okgye
Deungmyeongnakgasa Temple
Located in Jeongdongjin-ri, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung, Deungmyeongnakgasa Temple sits atop a 300-meter-high hill, offering breathtaking views of the East Sea.
Introduction Located in Jeongdongjin-ri, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung, Deungmyeongnakgasa Temple sits atop a 300-meter-high hill, offering breathtaking views of the East Sea. Believed to have been founded during the Goryeo Dynasty, its name carries symbolic meaning—Deungmyeong (燈明) signifies “the light that illuminates the world,” while Ragga (樂歌) means “joyful song.”
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Downtown
Beopwangsa Temple
Beopwangsa Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located on the slopes of Chilseongsan Mountain in Gujeong-myeon, Gangneung.
Introduction Beopwangsa Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located on the slopes of Chilseongsan Mountain in Gujeong-myeon, Gangneung. With origins tracing back to the year 634 during the reign of Queen Seondeok of the Silla Dynasty, the temple has undergone various name changes throughout its long history. Since 1946, it has been known as Beopwangsa. Notably, the temple’s setting amidst the scenic Chilseongsan range and its rare two-story Daeungjeon (Main Hall) make it a unique and fascinating destination. Tourist guide The trail leading to Beopwangsa winds through serene mountain paths, offering visitors a sense of escape from the modern world. Surrounded on all sides by the peaks of Chilseongsan, the temple showcases breathtaking beauty in every season—whether it’s the fresh sprouts of spring, the lush greenery of summer, the vibrant foliage of autumn, or the peaceful snow-covered landscape of winter. The temple’s two-story Daeungjeon, set on a wide terrace and adorned with vivid colors, harmonizes with its natural surroundings and invites quiet reflection. Travel Tips Unlike many temples that offer panoramic views over distant landscapes, Beopwangsa is embraced by towering mountains, creating a distinctive and intimate atmosphere. If you're visiting for the first time, consider choosing your favorite season—each brings its own charm and reveals the temple in a new light. Standing within Beopwangsa, surrounded by nature in full expression, offers a special opportunity to experience the season just as you imagined it.
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Gyeongpo Area
Yongyeonsa Temple
Yongyeonsa Temple, part of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, is located on Mt. Manwolsan in Sacheon-myeon, Gangneung.
Introduction Yongyeonsa Temple, part of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, is located on Mt. Manwolsan in Sacheon-myeon, Gangneung. Founded in the 7th century by the monk Jajang, the temple is named after the nearby “Dragon Spring” (Yongchu). It is known for its historic buildings, including the Main Hall (Daeungjeon) and Wontongbojeon, which houses a late Joseon-era Avalokitesvara statue. The temple grounds also feature several stupas and a stone pagoda, reflecting its rich religious heritage.
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Jumunjin Area
Geumgangsa Temple
Founded in 1964 by the monk Jeongga, Geumgangsa Temple is located in the scenic Mureung Valley of Sogeumgang.
Introduction Founded in 1964 by the monk Jeongga, Geumgangsa Temple is located in the scenic Mureung Valley of Sogeumgang. Known for its striking rock formations and clear streams, it is a popular stop for visitors. Opposite the temple is Sikdangam Rock, famed for a legend of over a thousand soldiers dining there, and nearby are the three distinctive peaks of Samseonbong, making it a key resting point on the Sogeumgang hiking trail. Tourist guide Geumgangsa Temple is the only temple in Sogeumgang, famous for its stunning rock formations and clear streams. Popular hiking trails connect the temple to nearby natural landmarks and attractions such as Woljeongsa Temple, Yeongok Beach, and Gyeongpo Provincial Park.
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Downtown
Bohyeonsa Temple
Bohyeonsa Temple was first established in the year 650 (the 4th year of Queen Jindeok) by the Buddhist monk Jijang Yulsa.
Introduction Bohyeonsa Temple was first established in the year 650 (the 4th year of Queen Jindeok) by the Buddhist monk Jijang Yulsa. Later, it was rebuilt by Master Nangwon and renamed Jijang Seonwon. The current buildings date back to the late Joseon Dynasty and feature a three-tiered stone platform constructed with large rectangular stones carefully crafted to prevent the wooden columns from slipping, topped with rounded pillars. The temple is built in the Dapo style with three bays in the front and three on the side, and has a double-eaved hipped-and-gabled roof.Within the temple grounds are the tomb of Master Nangwon (Nangwon Dae-sa Ojin Pagoda, a national heritage site), his memorial stele (also a national heritage site), and a wooden seated statue of Bodhisattva Manjusri, all attesting to the temple’s historical significance. Tourist guide Located at 396 Bohyeon-gil, Seongsan-myeon, Gangneung, on Bohyeonsan Mountain, Bohyeonsa Temple is a branch temple of Woljeongsa, the head temple of the 4th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Situated just below Daegwallyeong and Seonjaryeong ridges, the temple boasts a high mountain setting with exceptional surrounding scenery. Its buildings—including the Main Buddha Hall (Daeungjeon), Yeongsanjeon, Jijangjeon, Samsanggak, and Geumgangru—harmoniously blend with the natural landscape, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the serene atmosphere of the mountain temple. Tourist Tips Bohyeonsa Temple, located at 396 Bohyeon-gil, Seongsan-myeon, Gangneung, is a branch of Woljeongsa Temple, the head temple of the Jogye Order’s 4th district. Nestled below Daegwallyeong and Seonjaryeong, its elevated location offers breathtaking views. The temple’s buildings—including Daeungjeon, Yeongsanjeon, Jijangjeon, Samsanggak, and Geumgangru—are architecturally traditional and blend naturally with the surroundings, providing visitors with a deeply tranquil mountain temple experience.