Woljeongsa Temple

Address: Woljeongsa Temple, Odaesan National Park, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Website: http://woljeongsa.org/eng/

Hours: Daily 6:00am-6:00pm (approximate; some temple areas open at different times)

Admission: Entrance to temple complex typically free; some cultural events or facilities may charge small fees

Woljeongsa is a historic Buddhist temple on the eastern slopes of Odaesan in Gangwon Province, South Korea, founded in 643 during the Silla period. The temple is set within Odaesan National Park and is one of the long-established monastic centres in the region.

The site comprises a main temple complex of halls, courtyards and monastic buildings embedded in mature pine forest; visitors commonly view the main assembly hall and the temple’s traditional wooden architecture. Paths and forest trails connect the temple to nearby park routes and make it a focal point for both pilgrimage and recreational walking.

Founded in the seventh century by a Silla-era monk, the temple has been an active centre of Korean Buddhism through successive dynasties and has been rebuilt and repaired at various times after fires and other damage. It continues to function as a working temple with monastic residents.

Woljeongsa sits within Odaesan National Park in Gangwon Province, on the slopes of Mount Odaesan, accessible from regional roads that serve the national-park area.

• Founding and access: Founded in 643, it is one of Korea’s older Buddhist temples and is located inside Odaesan National Park, making it accessible via park roads and trails.
• Best time: Autumn is a popular time to visit for fall colours in the surrounding pine and mixed forest; the temple is an active monastic site so observe local customs.

What to See#

• Main temple complex: The main temple complex on the eastern slopes of Odaesan features the temple’s principal assembly hall and cloistered precincts set among mature pine forest.
• Surrounding trails: Forest trails and hermitages around the temple that link the site to Odaesan National Park and mountain walking routes used for pilgrim and recreational access.

Woljeongsa is in Odaesan National Park; the nearest major transport hub is Pyeongchang. From Seoul, take an intercity bus to Pyeongchang or Jinbu and then a local bus or taxi to Odaesan; expect a 2.5-3 hour trip by public transport. Seasonal shuttle services may run from nearby towns to the park entrance.

• Arrive early morning to hear morning chants and to avoid coach groups that arrive later.
• Visit the temple's forested approach in winter for quieter conditions; snow softens the temple's cedar-lined paths into a different mood.
• Respect monastic spaces: photography is permitted in many outdoor areas but check signs before photographing interiors or ceremonies.