Woljeongsa Temple
월정사
A thousand-year-old temple in Odaesan, home to an eight-sided, nine-story stone pagoda designated a National Treasure, and a roughly 1 km fir forest trail counted among Korea's most beautiful.
Woljeongsa sits within Odaesan National Park in Pyeongchang County. Founded in 643 by the Silla monk Jajang Yulsa, it is the head temple of the Fourth District of the Jogye Order. The eight-sided, nine-story stone pagoda, about 15 meters tall, is a representative stone pagoda of the Goryeo period and is designated a National Treasure. The stone seated bodhisattva statue in front of the pagoda is a Treasure.
The Fir Forest Trail, a roughly 1 km walk from Iljumun Gate to the temple, is lined with firs more than 80 years old. It is considered one of Korea's most beautiful forest trails, especially lovely in autumn and winter. You can continue uphill to Sangwonsa Temple, which houses Korea's oldest bronze bell.
Entry to the temple is free, though parking is charged. Getting there: about 50 minutes by car from Gangneung, or about 20 minutes by local bus from the Jinbu intercity bus station.
Opening hours
Approx. 05:00–21:00 (Sacred Treasures Museum 09:00–18:00)
Nearby sights
- Odaesan Seonjae-gil Trail
- Sangwonsa Temple
- Odaesan Birobong Peak
- Pyeongchang Trout Festival
- Alpensia Resort
- Alpensia Ski Jumping Centre
- Yongpyong Ski Resort
- Samyang Ranch (Samyang Roundhill)