Jeungsimsa Temple
증심사
A thousand-year-old temple at the Mudeungsan trailhead, home to an iron seated statue of Vairocana Buddha. Every hiker passes through here.
Jeungsimsa is traditionally said to have been founded in the Unified Silla period. It lies at the main trailhead on the western foot of Mudeungsan. The temple's treasures include an iron seated statue of Vairocana Buddha, along with the Obaek Hall (Hall of Five Hundred) and a three-story stone pagoda. The valley from the temple down to the trailhead is lined with restaurants, where you can eat duck and scallion pancakes after descending. You don't need to hike to visit. From the bus terminal, it's about a 20-minute walk, making it a good choice for a half-day outing. Entry is free.
Opening hours
Approx. 05:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Mudeungsan National Park
- Asia Culture Center & 5·18 Democracy Square
- Gwangju Art Street
- Yangnim-dong History & Culture Village and Penguin Village
- Daein Market & Night Market
- Gwangju Lake Eco Park
- Soswaewon Garden
- Sigyeongjeong & Hwanbyeokdang (Gasa Literature Area)