KR · South Gyeongsang Province · 35.80°N 128.10°E

haeinsa

Mountain temple guarding the 80,000-odd woodblocks of the Tripitaka Koreana.

Best time
Autumn, when Gayasan's maples turn, is the prettiest time. Spring is pleasant too, and the temple is hung with lanterns for Buddha's Birthday.
How long
Half a day, or overnight with a templestay
Getting there
Fly from KL to Seoul (about 6.5 hours) or Busan (about 6 hours). Take the KTX to Daegu, then a bus from Daegu's western bus terminal, about 1.5 hours. Driving from Daegu takes about an hour.
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KR · South Gyeongsang Provincehaeinsa35.80°N 128.10°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Mountain temple guarding the 80,000-odd woodblocks of the Tripitaka Koreana.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingHaeinsaKR, South Gyeongsang Province
KLhaeinsa
≈ 4,533 km from KL, as the crow flies
Haeinsa overview

Photo: 한국교육방송공사 · CC BY 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A working mountain temple in Gayasan National Park and one of Korea's Three Jewel Temples. It holds the Tripitaka Koreana, more than 80,000 wooden blocks carved with the Buddhist scriptures in the 13th century and kept here since 1398. The halls that store them are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Makan

  1. Sanchae bibimbapMountain vegetable bibimbap, served at the restaurants in the village below the temple.Map ↗
  2. Temple foodSimple vegetarian meals with no meat, garlic or onion, eaten quietly during a templestay.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Janggyeong PanjeonThe 15th-century halls that hold the woodblocks, designed with simple ventilation that has protected them for centuries. Look in through the slatted windows.Map ↗
  2. The temple courtyardsClimb up through the gates and courtyards to the main hall, with mountains all around.Map ↗
  3. Sorigil trailA gentle path along the Hongnyudong valley stream, leading up towards the temple.Map ↗
  4. TemplestaySpend a night following the monks' routine: early rising, chanting, meditation and temple meals.Map ↗
  5. GayasanHike to the rocky summit for big views over the ridges.Map ↗

Good to know

  • This is an active monastery. Dress modestly, speak quietly and stay out of areas marked for monks.
  • Photos are restricted around the woodblock halls, so follow the signs.
  • Book a templestay well ahead, especially for weekends.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.