This was originally written for Stripes Korea. An additional temple has been added as a bonus on the bottom of this list.

On weekends, when we had no particular travel plans set, we would visit a new temple within a few hours of Camp Humphreys. Other times, we would include one or two in our travel itinerary wherever we stayed. With over 900 Buddhist temples in South Korea, this is in no way an exhaustive list, but several that I enjoyed during my time in Korea.

Mangisa Temple

Mangisa Temple is about thirty minutes from Camp Humphreys and only six miles from Osan Air Base. If you are looking for something to do near Pyeongtaek, make sure you add Mangisa Temple to your list of things to see.

Address: 548 Dongcheon-ri, Jinwi-myeon, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Gakwonsa Temple

Located just a short drive from Pyeongtaek in Cheonan, Gakwonsa Temple is home to a famous 49-foot bronze Buddha statue. The stunning grounds nestled in Mount Taejosan make this large temple a popular location year-round. Get there early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds. This is a prime location to see the cherry blossoms in the spring and colorful fall foliage in late October and early November.

Address: 45 Gagwonsa-gil, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea

Beopjusa Temple

If you are looking for a day or even weekend hiking trip, Songnisan National Park is a great place to go. Located about an hour and a half south of Pyeongtaek and two hours from Osan, the park offers nine different hiking trails and is home to Beopjusa Temple (which translates to "Buddha stays here"). Beopjusa displays a 100-foot golden bronze Buddha statue and has the only five-story wooden pagoda in Korea (Palsangjeon). It is also one of the 26 temples in Korea that offers a templestay program. You can read about my templestay experience here.

Address: 405 Beopjusa-ro, Songnisan-myeon, Boeun-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea

Botapsa Temple

The one-hour drive from Pyeongtaek through the mountainous countryside to Botapsa, which means "Jewel Pagoda Temple, "is beautiful. This temple is located in Yeongok-ri in Jincheon. The lush grounds are meticulously maintained and lovely to stroll through. During the summer season, the wildflowers behind the pagoda bloom, and butterflies can be seen everywhere you look.

Address: 641 Gimyusingil, Jincheon-eup, Jincheon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do (충청북도 진천군 진천읍 김유신길 641)

Waunjeongsa Temple

Located in Yongin, Waunjeongsa is home to an 8-meter-tall Buddha head as you enter the grounds. There are a variety of other unique statues here, and you can pair a trip here with a visit to Kojeon Antiques or enjoy one of the many cafes located nearby.

Address: 224-4 Haegok-dong, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do

경기도 용인시 처인구 해곡로 25-15

Seoknamsa Temple

Seoknamsa is located in Anseong among the quiet hills and is a lesser-traveled temple. In 2016, it was the site where the popular K-drama "Goblin" was filmed. The temple is surrounded by some great trails, so pack your hiking shoes!

Address: 3-120 Sangchonsaemal-gil, Geumgwang-myeon, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Seonggoksa Temple

Seonggoksa is unique in that there are several areas to explore on the mountain and multiple giant Buddha statues. It is located spread out on a steep hill, and honestly until I saw a monk driving around on his motorbike, I wasn't even sure this was a working temple; it almost seemed abandoned in some areas. At the very top of the temple, rows of golden buddhas form a semicircle around the iron Buddha statue. It is a stunning site to see in person.

Address: Bonghwang-dong, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea

Suncheon Songgwangsa Temple (송광사 (순천))

Songgwangsa has extensive grounds, over 80 buildings, and a museum on site. The temple itself claims to have produced many high monks over the years. You can pair a visit here with the Boseong Tea Fields, and this temple offers a templestay program.

Address: 100, Songgwangsaan-gil, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 순천시 송광면 송광사안길 100 (송광면)

Suguksa Temple (수국사) (Seoul’s Golden Temple)

Suguksa was built in 1459 after Crown Prince Uigyeong, the eldest son of King Sejo, passed away at the age of 20. The temple, originally named Jeonginsa, was built near the Crown Prince's grave to pray for his soul. Later, Jeonginsa was renamed "Suguksa," which means Temple of Protecting the Country and rebuilt at its current location in 1900 after a fire.

Address: 8-5 Seooreung-ro 23-gil, Eunpyeong District, Seoul, South Korea

Samgwangsa Temple (삼광사)

Located in Busan, Samgwangsa comes alive for the lotus lantern festival each year during Buddha's birthday. With the most spectacular display of lanterns and lights in South Korea, Sawngwangsa has become a bucket-list destination for its unforgettable show. Buddha's birthday will fall on May 5, 2025, so mark it on your calendar!

Address: 77 Choeupcheon-ro 43beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan

Beomeosa Temple (범어사)

Nestled in the Geumjeongsan Mountain, Beomeosa is one of my favorite temples in Korea. Its origins date back to 678 during the Silla Dynasty, and it is home to many historic artifacts. Though beautiful year-round, the spring flowers really enhance a visit to this beautiful temple. This temple offers a templestay program.

Address: 250 Beomeosa-ro, Geumjeong-gu, Busan, South Korea

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

This stunning temple is built into the cliffs facing the East Sea and is one of the most popular in South Korea. They claim it was first built in 1376 by a Buddhist teacher known as Naong. It was destroyed during the Imjin War with the Japanese in the 16th century, and rebuilt to its current form in the 1970s. The best time to visit Haedong Yonggungsa is at sunrise. Due to its popularity along the sea, it can be quite busy during the day.

Address: 86 Yonggung-gil, Gijang-gun, Busan, South Korea

Seoraksan Sinheungsa Temple (신흥사(설악산)

This temple is located within Seoraksan National Park and offers a stunning backdrop of Seoraksan Mountain. Plan a full day within the park, enjoying the long but rewarding hike up the Ulsanbawi Rock Trail or some of the shorter hikes. You can enjoy Sinheungsa Temple on your way up or back down the trail. Of note, a smaller temple, Gyejoam Temple, is halfway to the top of Ulsanbawi. If hiking isn't on your agenda, you can also enjoy the Gwongeumseong cable car ride up to take in some of the views or take a leisurely stroll to Sinheungsa Temple (the walk to the temple is flat and very easy).

Address for Seoraksan National Park: Gangwon-do, Sokcho-si, Seoraksan-ro, 833 KR

Simboksa Temple

Located near Pyeongtaek, this small and relatively unknown temple is the perfect location for family photos without the crowds. It's tranquil, especially during the week, making it an ideal spot for meditation and exploration.

Address: Simboksa-gil, Hyeondeok-myeon, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Jangheungsa Temple

Located in Geoje, this large temple is relatively new compared to most temples throughout Korea, and there is not a lot of information about it online. However, if you visit Geoje, it is worth a visit.

Address: 77-13 Aju-ro, 아주동 Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea

Guinsa Temple

It is a hike uphill through the temple grounds to get to Guinsa, but once at the top, you are met with a shimmering temple, unlike many others you have seen throughout Korea. Guinsa is the headquarters of the Cheontae school of Korean Buddhism and is continually expanding. There are currently 140 buildings and sub-temples on site, and it is another temple where you can partake in a templestay in Korea.

Address: 73 Guinsa-gil, Yeongchun-myeon, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea

Bonggoksa Temple (봉곡사)

Bonus temple! Bonggoksa Temple is located in Asan and has a lovely 3.4 kilometer out and back trail up Bongsusan Mountain that starts just beyond the parking lot for the temple. It has a slight ascent the entire time and considered a moderate hike. Some of the path is paved when you first start out.

Address: 138, Dosong-ro 632beon-gil, Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do

충청남도 아산시 송악면 도송로632번길 138

It goes without saying that all of these temples are working temples and should be treated with respect during your visit. Dress appropriately, keep loud talking to a minimum and do not take photos of the monks' inside the temples during prayer without permission. If you enter a temple, enter through a side door. Enjoy your visit and if you are interested in participating in a templestay, you can find all of the temples available at templestay.com.

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