Naksansa Temple: Korea’s Sacred Seaside Temple in Yangyang

Last Updated on May 6, 2026

A few years ago I remember hearing someone remark that Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan was the only seaside temple in Korea. I sat back in my chair and thought about my trip to Naksansa Temple (낙산사) in Yangyang-gun and how it most surely must count as a seaside temple with a pavilion and paths that literally take you to nearby Naksan Beach and waves that splash against the cliffs beneath your feet.

Many people head to Yangyang for the beaches and the surf. There’s another reason to make the trip though, Naksansa Temple (낙산사), is one of the most historically significant and visually dramatic Buddhist temples in Korea. Set on the slopes of Obongsan Mountain overlooking the East Sea, this is a temple that has burned down and been rebuilt across thirteen centuries. It is one of three holy sites of Gwaneum (the Bodhisattva of Compassion) in Korea, one of eight great scenic areas of Gangwon Province, and on a clear morning, one of the most beautiful places on the Korean peninsula… if you ask me.

Here’s what you  need to know about Naksan Temple.

• How To Get There
• Basic Information
• Where To Stay On Naksan Beach
• History
• What To See
• Templestay Programs

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How To Get There

Address: 100 Naksansa-ro Ganghyeon-myeon Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원 양양군 강현면 낙산사로 100)

By Bus: Take a bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Yangyang Intercity Bus Terminal, take bus 9 or 9-1 to Naksansa Temple. Takes approximately 10-15 minutes. If you’re at Naksan Beach, just look to the northern end and you’ll find the temple on the hill overlooking the beach.

On A Tour

• If you’re interested in visiting the temple and seeing the gorgeous views from Seoraksan Mountain, you can sign up for a great tour either on Klook or on Viator. You can visit this famous mountain in South Korea and come down to see the temple and coast all in one day.

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Basic Information

Hours: 6:00am ~ 8:30pm

Admission: Adults W3,000; Teenagers & Students W1,500; Children W1,000

Amenities: restrooms, parking (W3,000), cafe, restaurant with free noodle soup during lunch hours

Templestay Program: Naksan Temple does offer a templstay program. If you’re interested in visiting. Check out the official Templestay website.

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Where To Stay On Naksan Beach

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The Founding Legend

The name Naksan is an abbreviation of Botarakgasan, the Korean rendering of Mount Potalaka, the mythical mountain where Gwaneum (Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion) is believed to dwell. The name alone tells you what this place represents: it is the earthly dwelling of the most beloved figure in Korean Buddhism.

In 671, Uisang Daesa, a great Buddhist monk who had returned from studying in Tang Dynasty China, came to this coast in the reign of King Munmu. He meditated near a sea cave believed to be Gwaneum’s home. After seven days of prayer, the deity appeared and instructed him to build a temple here. As a sign, a red lotus rose from the sea with Gwaneum at its center. Uisang built Hongyeonam hermitage above that cave and Naksansa on the slopes above.

The monk Wonhyo attempted the same pilgrimage but had a different experience. On the road to Naksansa, he met a woman he did not recognize as Gwaneum, and when he arrived, he could not enter the cave. The two stories together show how the site has always tested the readiness of those who come to it.

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History

Naksansa has burned, been rebuilt, burned again, and been rebuilt again, more times than most temples in Korea. The Mongol invasions during the Goryeo period destroyed the entire temple. The Korean War burned it completely to the ground. Each time, it was reconstructed.

During the Joseon Dynasty, royal interest in the temple was high: it was reconstructed and expanded by royal orders in 1467, 1469, 1631, and 1643. When King Sejo visited in 1467, the distinctive rainbow-shaped stone gate at the entrance, Hongyemun, was built in his honor.

In 2005, a catastrophic forest fire swept through the area and destroyed most of what stood. The Naksansa bronze bell, made for King Yejong’s father in 1469 and designated a national treasure in 1968, was lost in the fire. The restoration effort that followed was guided by a 1778 painting of the temple by the great Joseon-era painter Kim Hongdo, ensuring that what was rebuilt matched what had been there historically. By 2015 the temple was fully restored, and in 2008 it received designation as a Historic Site.

What to know: The Naksansa Temple is part of the Jogye Order, the same order that Jogyesa Temple and Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju are apart of.

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What To See

Haesu-gwaneum Statue

Sitting on a hill on the northernmost end of Naksan Beach, one can spot the 18 meter high Bodhisattva of Mercy, Haesugwaneumsang, the largest of her kind in the region, while lying on the beach enjoying the sun. As she gazes out onto the sea and the playful people below her, she invites those in the area to stop by and really Naksansa Temple (낙산사) is a must see.

The Bodhisattva of Mercy faces the southeast and stands 15 meters tall. Made from white granite in 1977, she is peacefully at the summit where benches have been placed in a circle around her for visitors to find their own serenity in the moment. She is beautiful and is at the highest point. Once you get there, it’s all down hill.

Uisangdae Pavilion

Uisangdae Pavilion built on the top of a cliff is where it is said that Uisangdae meditated. The hexagonal pavilion was built in commemoration of Uisang in 1925. The original pavilion was dismantled, repaired and rebuilt in 2009 and is one of the most popular places to take a photo on the temple grounds as you can see the pavilion, the Bodhisattva, and the ocean.

Botajeon Hall & Lotus Pond

If you head back around from the pavilion to the courtyard and follow the signs in the other direction, you’ll come to a beautiful lotus pond with some of the largest flowers I’ve seen here. There’s a flat stone in the middle that people toss coins onto before heading up the steps to Botajeon Hall.

I highly recommend taking off your shoes and stepping inside to see the unique and beautiful Bota-jeon statue inside as well as the numerous statues that surround it.

Dongjong Bronze Bell (동종)

The Bronze Bell is Treasure No. 479 and was housed in a bell tower near Gohyangsil Hall. Unfortunately the original bell that was cast in 1469 at the order of King Yejong to commemorate King Sejo’s visit to Naksansa Temple melted during the fire in 2005 but it was recast in 2006.

It is 158 centimeters high and 98 centimeters wide. The crown is decorated with sculptures of two valiant dragons spiraling toward each other. There are also lotus petals and other beautiful carvings to muse at.

Wontongjeon Hall

From the bell, you’ll see a number of pavilions and buildings that will lead you to Wontongjeon Hall, the main hall of the temple. There is a 7-story stone pagoda in front of the hall and of course like all of the halls, be sure to walk around and enjoy the dancheong and other beautiful artworks on the exterior before entering to see Gwanseeum-bosal inside.

The Bodhisattva of Compassion has an ornate golden crown. She dates back to the Joseon Dynasty and was designed in the traditional Goryeo Buddhist style. The statue is Korean Treasure #1362.

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Templestay Programs

The coastal setting makes this one of the most distinctive Templestay experiences in Korea. For updated information and to make reservations, visit the official Templestay website.

One Day Program: Available daily. Includes arrival and check-in at 1:00pm, temple etiquette orientation, a guided temple tour through the late afternoon, a monastic dinner at 5:00pm, and an optional evening chanting ceremony at 6:00pm. Participants wear a provided temple vest, bring a short-sleeved shirt to wear underneath (no sleeveless). Check-out at 5:30pm; evening chant optional after that.

“Wave in the Wind” Overnight Program: One night, two days. Day 1 follows the same schedule as the day program, with free time in the evening before 9:00pm lights-out. Day 2 begins at 6:00am with optional breakfast, followed at 9:00am by the signature activity: 108 Bow Meditation and mala (prayer bead) making, then a reflection essay, and check-out at 11:00am with optional lunch.

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I think Naksan Temple is an absolute must see if you’re in the Yangyang-gun region. If you’re headed to the beach in the summer, visit in the morning before you leave. If you head to the area in the autumn or winter, go midday and enjoy the ocean views. The complex is large but a lovely walk.

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