
Famous Pilgrimage Routes & Religious Sites in Sihŭng, Gyeonggi, Korea, South
1. Gwangmyeongsa Temple
Historic Buddhist temple with a cave hermitage and beautiful gardens.
- Cave Hermitage: Features an intricate network of caves where monks used to meditate.
- Garden Beauty: Home to a stunning variety of flowers and trees, especially during spring.
- Historic Significance: Built in the 8th century, it's one of the oldest temples in Korea.
2. Bulguksa Temple
UNESCO World Heritage Site with architecturally significant Buddhist temples and pagodas.
- Seokguram Grotto: Famous for its intricately carved stone statue of Avalokitesvara.
- Dozo Pagoda: One of the tallest wooden pagodas in Korea, with five stories and seven eaves.
- Historical Significance: Dating back to the Silla Dynasty, it's a testament to ancient Korean architecture.
3. Beopjusa Temple
Temple surrounded by lush forests and home to the famous 'Maitreya' Buddha statue.
- Giant Maitreya Statue: One of the largest statues of Maitreya in East Asia, measuring over 18 meters tall.
- Forest Sanctuary: Nestled deep within a forested valley, offering tranquility and natural beauty.
- Historic Legacy: Built in the Goryeo Dynasty, it's steeped in centuries-old tradition.
4. Hwangnyesa Temple
Temple located on a mountain with stunning views and intricate wood carvings.
- Wood Carving Art: Famous for its beautiful wooden carvings, including the four heavenly kings.
- Mountain Retreat: A peaceful mountain escape that offers stunning views of the surrounding valley.
- Buddhist Practices: Offers opportunities for meditation and Buddhist teachings to visitors.
5. Cheongpyeongsanseong Fortress
Historic fortress with beautiful temples and stunning views of the valley below.
- Fortress Walls: Well-preserved walls dating back to the Joseon Dynasty, offering a glimpse into Korea's past.
- Buddhist Temples: Includes temples like Byeonsan and Baekhaksang, which are significant pilgrimage sites.
- Natural Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and mountains.
6. Baekdamsa Temple
Temple located on a mountain with a waterfall and beautiful forest surroundings.
- Waterfall Wonder: Features a stunning waterfall within its grounds, adding to the serene atmosphere.
- Forest Sanctuary: Nestled deep within a forested valley, offering tranquility and natural beauty.
- Buddhist Practices: Offers opportunities for meditation and Buddhist teachings to visitors.
7. Golgulsa Temple
Temple with a unique 'skywalk' offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
- Skywalk Views: The skywalk offers unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Golgulsa's History: Founded in the 14th century, it has a rich history and cultural significance.
- Buddhist Practices: Offers opportunities for meditation and Buddhist teachings to visitors.
8. Donghaksa Temple
Temple with a cave hermitage, beautiful gardens, and stunning mountain views.
- Cave Hermitage: Features an intricate network of caves where monks used to meditate.
- Garden Beauty: Home to a stunning variety of flowers and trees, especially during spring.
- Mountain Retreat: A peaceful mountain escape that offers stunning views of the surrounding valley.
9. Baekryeonsa Temple
Temple with a beautiful lake and intricate wood carvings.
- Lake Serenity: Features a serene lake, adding to the peaceful atmosphere of the temple.
- Wood Carving Art: Famous for its beautiful wooden carvings, including the four heavenly kings.
- Buddhist Practices: Offers opportunities for meditation and Buddhist teachings to visitors.
10. Hangdongsa Temple
Temple with a cave hermitage, beautiful gardens, and stunning mountain views.
- Cave Hermitage: Features an intricate network of caves where monks used to meditate.
- Garden Beauty: Home to a stunning variety of flowers and trees, especially during spring.
- Mountain Retreat: A peaceful mountain escape that offers stunning views of the surrounding valley.
11. Beopjinam Hermitage
Small hermitage located in a beautiful forest with unique architectural features.
- Architectural Uniqueness: Features a distinctive 'three-story' pagoda design.
- Forest Sanctuary: Nestled deep within a forested valley, offering tranquility and natural beauty.
- Buddhist Practices: Offers opportunities for meditation and Buddhist teachings to visitors.
12. Cheonghaksa Temple
Temple with a beautiful lake and unique stone pagoda.
- Lake Serenity: Features a serene lake, adding to the peaceful atmosphere of the temple.
- Stone Pagoda: Unique stone pagoda that adds to the temple's architectural charm.
- Buddhist Practices: Offers opportunities for meditation and Buddhist teachings to visitors.
13. Gwaneumsanseong Temple
Temple located on a mountain with stunning views of the surrounding area.
- Mountain Retreat: A peaceful mountain escape that offers stunning views of the surrounding valley.
- Buddhist Practices: Offers opportunities for meditation and Buddhist teachings to visitors.
- Gwaneum's Cave: A sacred cave dedicated to the Bodhisattva of Mercy, Avalokitesvara.
14. Sangwonsa Temple
Temple with a beautiful pond and intricate wood carvings.
- Pond Serenity: Features a serene pond, adding to the peaceful atmosphere of the temple.
- Wood Carving Art: Famous for its beautiful wooden carvings, including the four heavenly kings.
- Buddhist Practices: Offers opportunities for meditation and Buddhist teachings to visitors.
15. Gwaneumam Hermitage
Hermitage located on a mountain with stunning views of the surrounding area.
- Mountain Retreat: A peaceful mountain escape that offers stunning views of the surrounding valley.
- Buddhist Practices: Offers opportunities for meditation and Buddhist teachings to visitors.
- Gwaneum's Shrine: A sacred shrine dedicated to the Bodhisattva of Mercy, Avalokitesvara.