Beopjusa temple was founded in the year 553, making it one of Korea’s most historically rich Buddhist temples. Its name means “a place where the Dharma resides,” and there is a sense, even for non-Buddhists, that this is somewhere shaped by intention. Over its long life, the temple flourished, was destroyed, and rebuilt, most notably after the Japanese invasions of the late 16th century. What exists today is not simply old; it is resilient.

I could not believe my eyes the beauty of the temple itself, its uncanny conical stone pagodas, the rock wall-like mountain on the left, the colored lanterns and lack of people, the entire scenery resembling a sci-fi movie happening on another planet. With hardly another soul around, the experience was utterly transcendent.

The temple is accepted as the quintessence of Buddhist architecture. With colorful tiles decorating the underside of the roof and large statues of the Four Heavenly Kings at the entrance, it is truly a sight to behold.

Haeinsa is the home of the world's most comprehensive and oldest version of the Buddhist canon.

Unlike other temples ,all pavilions are tall vividly decorated and shiny.

Korea is home to four hermitages dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, with Hyangiram being arguably the most famous. While the temple complex includes several halls and pavilions worth exploring, what truly sets Hyangiram Hermitage apart is its breathtaking natural setting.

The stone Buddha statues of Unjusa are in various positions such as sleeping, standing, seated, or back-to-back. The statues and pagodas are spread all around, including in the surrounding hills. The trails are beautiful and along them a collection of stone statues and pagodas can be admired. Once you reach the top, the view of the Hwasun area unfolds before your eyes.