Bongjeongsa Temple 봉정사
Andong · Downtown & Old Market · Sights
On the southern slope of Mount Cheondeung, this temple is one of seven mountain monasteries inscribed on the UNESCO list as Sansa in 2018. Its main attraction is Geungnakjeon, a wooden hall regarded as among the oldest standing timber buildings in Korea, with plain proportions and gently swelling pillars. Daeungjeon beside it is a National Treasure too.
The route from the parking area follows a forest path uphill, and the hermitage Yeongsanam behind the main hall is worth the extra climb for its tidy courtyard. Allow about ninety minutes. Dress modestly and speak softly inside the halls.
Fees and rules can change, so check on arrival.
A taxi or car takes about 25 minutes from the old town; buses are infrequent, so confirm the schedule first. Ask for Bongjeongsa. (Show a driver: 봉정사)
Show this Korean name to your taxi driver or match it to signs: 봉정사
- Best time to visit
- Morning or on weekdays; maple foliage peaks around early November.
- Pair it with
- Bongjeongsa Hwangtojip Handmade Tofu and Geunyeoui Home Cafe are on the road below.
- Great for
- Parents, Solo travelers
- Local tip
- A mountain temple whose Geungnakjeon hall is regarded as one of Korea's oldest surviving wooden buildings, part of the UNESCO 'Sansa' listing. Walk the forest path up from the parking lot and continue to Yeongsanam hermitage.
- Reservations
- Book a temple stay in advance (ask your hotel)