Sinheungsa Temple

The Basics

Sinheungsa Temple is one of two Buddhist temples within the bounds of Seoraksan National Park. Many guided tours to this UNESCO Biosphere Protection Site include a visit to the temple, as well as a chance to take the cable car to the top of Mount Seorak for the stellar views. Visitors looking for a more in-depth temple experience can participate in Sinheungsa’s temple-stay program, which allows tourists to spend two or three days living the typical life of a Korean Buddhist monk.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Sinheungsa Temple is an excellent option for outdoors enthusiasts and spiritual travelers.

• Wear sturdy hiking shoes, particularly if you plan to explore more of the national park.

• Dress in layers; it can be warmer at the temple than it is farther up the mountain.

How to Get There

To get to the temple, take a bus from Sokcho City to the entrance of Seoraksan National Park, about a 20-minute ride. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the temple. Sinheungsa Temple’s location within the national park makes it a convenient stop on your way to or from Mt. Seorak.

When to Get There

The scenery surrounding the temple is spectacular throughout the year, particularly in spring and autumn. Expect the temple to be busy on weekends and Korean national holidays.

The Buddhas of Sinheungsa Temple

Two of the most notable features of this temple are its two statues of the Buddha. The stone statue dates back more than 1,400 years, while the newer bronze statue depicts a 33-foot-tall (10-meter-tall) seated likeness of the Buddha.