Haeinsa Temple
해인사
The Dharma Treasure Temple among Korea's Three Jewel Temples on Mount Gaya, home to the UNESCO-listed Tripitaka Koreana woodblocks and their storage hall. A classic day trip from Daegu.
Haeinsa lies on Mount Gaya in Hapcheon County, South Gyeongsang Province. Founded in 802, it is one of Korea's Three Jewel Temples, along with Tongdosa and Songgwangsa. The Janggyeong Panjeon, or woodblock depository, houses more than 80,000 Tripitaka Koreana woodblocks carved in the 13th century, and the hall was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1995. Visitors can walk from Ilju Gate along the Hongnyu Valley and the Mount Gaya trails, passing Bongwhang Gate, Haetal Gate, Daejeokgwang Hall and, at the top, the Janggyeong Panjeon. The interior of the depository cannot be entered, and you can view it only through the windows. Since 2023 no cultural heritage viewing fee has been charged, but those who drive must pay a parking fee. Getting there: take a bus to Haeinsa from Daegu Seobu Bus Terminal. The journey takes about 1 hour 20 minutes, with roughly one bus an hour. Early-morning visitors can join a Buddhist service or book a temple stay.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:30-18:00 (earlier closing in winter)
Nearby sights
- Dodong Seowon
- The ARC Daegu
- Okyeonji Songhae Park
- Biseulsan
- Mabijeong Mural Village
- 83 Tower
- Anjirang Gopchang Alley
- Apsan Observatory