Naksansa Temple The Buddhist Temple Most Popular Korean Tourism

Naksansa Temple is located in Naksan Provincial Park and is one of the few temples that overlook a sea of Korea. It was built by Uisangdaesa, a revered Buddhist monk in 671. Within the park are many rivers and beautiful beaches to visit. Naksansa provides a spectacular sunrise view and beautiful sounds of breaking waves. Inside the temple are cultural artifacts such as the Hongnyeonam Hermitage, a bronze bell, and the Hongyemun (gate).

Naksansa Temple

When you have free time, visit the 7th Century Shinhungsa Temple, located next to Sorak Tourist Hotel; it claims to be the country’s oldest Zen temple. The valley to the left of the temple is Chonbuldong, the most beautiful valley in the park with a view of Miruk Peak that rises majestically above the valley. Legends are told of the heavenly nymphs who come to laugh and play while they bathe in the numerous pools throughout the valley.

Naksansa Temple is crowned by the Buddhist statue of Haesugwaneumsang (Bodhisattva of Mercy), known as the goddess Gwanseum-Bosal, facing southeast standing 15 meters high on a 2.8-meter high pedestal. The white granite statue stands in a clearing at the top of the hill, eyes and fingers closed in peaceful meditation as it gazes out to sea. The massive statue is the work of Busan sculptor Gwon Jeong-hwan and was dedicated in 1977. 700 tons of granite and six months were required to complete the sculpture. It is the largest Buddhist statue of its kind in the Orient. Hongreanam was built by Uisang as a Hermitage above a stone cave. In the sanctuary floor there is a 10-centimeter opening through which you can see the sea below.

Naksansa Temple

Naksansa has many places to see. There is the famous statue of Gwanseum Bosal, looking down over the East Sea with a broad smile. At the Uisangdae Pavilion, which is a popular spot for watching the sunrise, you can gaze over the vast sea. At the Hongryeonam (Red Lotus Hermitage) Hall, you can look down through a hole on the floor and see the sea. If you lift a small floorboard here, you will see the Gwaneumgul Cave down below. The sound of waves crashing in the cave is in such harmony with the sunrise over the East Sea that they create a sense of wonder for many people.

Naksansa Temple

Besides these, Naksansa has the Hall of Complete Penetration (Wontongbojeon), the Main Buddha Hall (Botajeon), and a lotus pond. In front of the Hall of Complete Penetration stands a seven story pagoda, which is registered as Treasure No. 499. Naksansa’s symbol, the great standing statue of Gwanseum Bosal was created in 1977, and stands a height of no less than 16 meters.