Hwaeomsa

One of South Korea's top 10 temples, Hwaeomsa (pronounced "Hwa-umsa") sits on the southwestern part of Jirisan (Mt. Jiri) in the middle of Nogodan peak. Built during the Shilla Dynasty (during the fifth year of King Jinheung), the original structure was burned down during the Japanese Invasion in 1592. The temple was rebuilt during the Joseon Dynasty. In front of the main Buddha hall are a stone lantern and lion pagoda, both of which date back to A.D. 670.

Details

• Address: 12 Hwangjeon-li, Gurye
• Phone: [phone] (Korean)
• Hours: Daily 7am-7pm
• Prices: Admission W3,800 ages 20 and over, W1,800 ages 14-19, W1,200 ages 7-13, free for seniors 65 and over and children 6 and under
• Transportation: From Gwangju Bus Station, take local bus no. 225 (it's an hour ride and the bus runs every 40 min.). From the Gurye Bus Terminal, take a city bus to Hwaeomsa Temple (the buses run every 20 min.). Then walk 15 min. to the temple