Naksansa Temple (낙산사) - Area information - Korea travel information

Naksansa Temple (낙산사)

9.0Km    2025-10-23

100 Naksansa-ro, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do

This ancient temple was built in the 11th year of King Munmu’s reign of Silla (671) by the Buddhist monk Uisang. Naksansa Temple is one of the foremost sights of Yangyang, and one of the most historic sites in the region. Along with Ganghwa’s Bomunsa Temple and Namhae’s Boriam Hermitage, it is said to be one of the three centers of the cult of Avalokitesvara in Korea. Its handsome view overlooking the East Sea has earned it a spot in the Eight Sights of Gwandong (eight famous sights in Yeongdong region of Gangwon-do), documented throughout the ages in many classic literature and poetry. Today’s Naksansa Temple is a product of many restorations and expansions, and has many examples of cultural heritage within its walls, including a 16 meter-tall statue of the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. A mountain fire in 2005 resulted in the loss of 20 buildings, including the building that housed its bronze bell. The temple also operates templestay programs available through its website.

Sinheungsa Temple (Seoraksan Mountain) (신흥사(설악산))

9.0Km    2024-03-12

1137 Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Sinheungsa Temple is a temple located in Seoraksan Mountain near Sokcho. It belongs to the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It was originally founded as Hyangseongsa Temple by the monk Jajang in the Shilla dynasty (A.D. 652). Within the temple grounds, cultural heritage sites such as Geungnakbojeon Hall, a wooden structure from the mid-Joseon period, and the Three-story Stone Pagoda at Hyangseongsa Temple Site. The temple offers a templestay program where visitors can experience temple life firsthand. Participants can engage in various activities such as Buddhist ceremonies, Buddhist prayer, 108 prostrations, and lotus lantern and rosary making.

Uisangdae Pavilion (낙산사 의상대)

9.0Km    2024-12-26

100 Naksansa-ro, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do

This pavilion is located on a seaside cliff on the way from Yangyang’s Naksansa Temple to Gwaneumgul Cave of Hongnyeonam Hermitage. The word “dae” in Uisangdae refers to a building built at a vantage point for areas with beautiful scenery. Indeed, the view of the East Sea and the coast from Uisangdae Pavilion awarded its recognition as one of the Eight Sights of Yangyang, and a must-visit place for all visitors to Naksansa Temple. Jeong Cheol (pen-name: Songgang), a famed scholar and writer of the poem Song of Diamond Mountains, chose the pavilion as one of the Eight Sights of Gwandong, and the pavilion is today one of the popular sites for sunrise-viewing on the east coast of Korea. Together with Hongnyeonam Hermitage, it is designated as the Scenic Site No. 27 of Korea under the name “Uisangdae Pavilion and Hongnyeonam Hermitage of Naksansa Temple, Yangyang.” Uisangdae is named after Uisang, a respected Silla-era Buddhist monk who is said to have founded this temple in 671 (11th year of King Munmu’s reign of Silla), and many stories of his deeds can still be found in the temple. For instance, Uisangdae is said to be the site where he meditated before founding Naksansa Temple at its present site. Today’s pavilion was restored to its present hexagonal form in 1995.

Naksan Beach (낙산해수욕장)

9.9Km    2024-12-27

59 Haemaji-gil, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do

Naksan Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Yangyang, located in Joseon-ri, Yangyang-eup, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do. Since its opening in 1963, it has attracted more than 1 million visitors each year, its reputation being rivaled only by the Gyeongpodae Beach on the east coast of Korea. The 4 kilometer-long sand beach contrasts magnificently with the lush pine trees of the area. The water is less than 1.5 meter deep, making it a good place for all ages. Naksanhang Port marks one end of the beach, behind which Naksan Mountain, the location of Naksansa Temple, can be found. The other end has a lake formed at the delta of Namdaecheon Stream, which originates from Seoraksan Mountain. Many cafes, convenience stores, restaurants, and accommodations cater to the needs of the visitors. The beach sees considerable traffic in winter as well, when it serves as a popular venue for sunrise-watching, particularly for the New Year’s Day festival.

Seoraksan Ulsanbawi Rock (설악산 울산바위)

10.3Km    2024-02-28

1091 Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Ulsanbawi is a rock formation in Seoraksan Mountain that consists of six massive peaks, each reaching 900 meters above sea level. The name "Ulsanbawi" is derived from the shape of the peaks, which spread out like a fence, and it is located at the center of Seoraksan Mountain. This rock is celebrated for its unique shape, the scenic beauty surrounding it, and its hiking trails. It takes about three hours to reach the top of Ulsanbawi from Sogongwon Park.

Ulsanbawi Rock Milky Way Photo Spot on Old Misiryeong Trail (미시령옛길 울산바위 은하수)

10.4Km    2024-03-18

5110 Donghae-daero, Toseong-myeon, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do

Misiryeong Pass, historically a pathway connecting Inje to Sokcho, also serves as an observation point for viewing Ulsanbawi Rock in Seoraksan Mountain. More recently, it has gained popularity as a photo spot for capturing the Milky Way. As a result, on clear nights, the parking lot is often filled with eager photographers. 

Goseong Hwaamsa Temple (화암사(고성))

10.5Km    2025-12-16

100 Hwaamsa-gil, Toseong-myeon, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do

Hwaamsa Temple was built during the Silla period, and then repaired many times throughout history, with the temple even moving locations to where it is now in 1864. The current structures were built in 1991 for the World Jamboree. The temple name also changed throughout history, with the current name being given in 1912. The temple is located in a pristine natural environment, and is home to a traditional tea house, making it a great place to relax and feel at peace.

◎ Travel Information to Discover Hallyu’s Charm - Variety Show "Summer Vacation"
Hwaamsa Temple is where actors Jung Yu-mi and Choi Woo-shik participated in a Templestay program on tvN's variety show "Summer Vacation." The two enjoyed a healing retreat through various temple activities, such as morning prayers and tea talks with Buddhist monks, finding peace of mind away from their daily routines. This tranquil temple is recommended as a special destination to rest your body and mind in nature’s embrace.

Ocean Valley Resort (오션벨리리조트)

10.9Km    2025-03-16

127-30, Ilchul-ro, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do

Ocean Valley Resort is located on the sandy shore of Naksan Beach staring out at the clean blue waters of the East Sea. The resort is the closest accommodation to the ocean in the nation. Since its opening in 2001, the resort has continued to strive to provide the best service in order for customers to have an unforgettable experience. The resort is open all year long, allowing guests to enjoy a range of activities like Naksan Beach in the summer to skiing in the winter.

There are many attractions close to the resort including Naksansa Temple, Cheoksan Hot Springs, Osaek Mineral Spring, and Unification Observatory. Guests can also enjoy a wide range of leisure sports like sea fishing, boating, water skiing and golf. Ocean Valley Resort is an environmentally conscious resort that uses solar power to cover its energy needs.

Deungbul Garden (등불가든)

11.2Km    2025-01-23

23 Powolladeul-gil, Yangyang-eup, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do

This restaurant serves the delectable combination of pine mushrooms and Yangyang Korean beef. Every fall, you can enjoy grilled natural pine mushrooms with Korean beef special cuts and rib eye. Note that while the meat is served throughout the year, pine mushrooms are only offered when they can be harvested. Other popular dishes include Korean beef bulgogi with pine mushrooms and hot pot. American pop singer and producer Kanye West once visited this restaurant.

Baekchon Makguksu (백촌막국수)

11.3Km    2024-12-10

Baekchon Makguksu is a one of the most well-known restaurant in Goseong for serving delicious makguksu (buckwheat noodles), a dish that defines Gangwon-do. Buckwheat noodles in Baekchon Makguksu are served with a dried pollack salad, which, for many regulars, is the thing that makes them come back for more. Baekchon Makguksu’s take on this dish combines the flavors of dongchimi (radish water kichmi) broth with Hamheung-style cold buckwheat noodles. Ingredients consist of dongchimi and buckwheat noodles, topped with dried pollack salad, sesame oil, vinegar, sugar, mustard, and seasoning to taste. The noodles themselves retain the fragrance and the texture of buckwheat quite well. Visitors who prefer their bowl to have a more subtle yet refreshing taste can control the amount of vinegar and seasoning to bring the soup’s flavors forward. Another popular dish here is suyuk (boiled pork slices). After enjoying a meal of makguksu, visitors are recommended to take a leisurely seaside stroll at the nearby Munamhaebyeon Beach.