Naksansa Temple (낙산사)

14.0Km 2025-10-23

100 Naksansa-ro, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-672-2475

This ancient temple was built in the 11th year of King Munmu’s reign of Silla (671) by the Buddhist monk Uisang. Naksansa Temple is one of the foremost sights of Yangyang, and one of the most historic sites in the region. Along with Ganghwa’s Bomunsa Temple and Namhae’s Boriam Hermitage, it is said to be one of the three centers of the cult of Avalokitesvara in Korea. Its handsome view overlooking the East Sea has earned it a spot in the Eight Sights of Gwandong (eight famous sights in Yeongdong region of Gangwon-do), documented throughout the ages in many classic literature and poetry. Today’s Naksansa Temple is a product of many restorations and expansions, and has many examples of cultural heritage within its walls, including a 16 meter-tall statue of the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. A mountain fire in 2005 resulted in the loss of 20 buildings, including the building that housed its bronze bell. The temple also operates templestay programs available through its website.

Uisangdae Pavilion (낙산사 의상대)

14.0Km 2024-12-26

100 Naksansa-ro, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-672-2447

This pavilion is located on a seaside cliff on the way from Yangyang’s Naksansa Temple to Gwaneumgul Cave of Hongnyeonam Hermitage. The word “dae” in Uisangdae refers to a building built at a vantage point for areas with beautiful scenery. Indeed, the view of the East Sea and the coast from Uisangdae Pavilion awarded its recognition as one of the Eight Sights of Yangyang, and a must-visit place for all visitors to Naksansa Temple. Jeong Cheol (pen-name: Songgang), a famed scholar and writer of the poem Song of Diamond Mountains, chose the pavilion as one of the Eight Sights of Gwandong, and the pavilion is today one of the popular sites for sunrise-viewing on the east coast of Korea. Together with Hongnyeonam Hermitage, it is designated as the Scenic Site No. 27 of Korea under the name “Uisangdae Pavilion and Hongnyeonam Hermitage of Naksansa Temple, Yangyang.” Uisangdae is named after Uisang, a respected Silla-era Buddhist monk who is said to have founded this temple in 671 (11th year of King Munmu’s reign of Silla), and many stories of his deeds can still be found in the temple. For instance, Uisangdae is said to be the site where he meditated before founding Naksansa Temple at its present site. Today’s pavilion was restored to its present hexagonal form in 1995.

Stay Gajin (스테이가진)

14.7Km 2024-12-13

168 , Gajinhaebyeon-gil, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-631-5455

On Gajin Beach Road in Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do, Stay Gajin is a pension where all rooms overlook the East Sea. At night, you can listen to the sound of the waves, and in the morning, you can see the magnificent sunrise over the East Sea. The first floor has one room that can accommodate up to four guests, the second floor has four rooms that can accommodate two guests, and the third floor has the most popular two-story rooms. Every room is equipped with a kitchen where guests may cook and a bathtub where they may enjoy a lower-body bath. Across the street is a small beach that can be used privately.

Naksan Beach (낙산해수욕장)

14.9Km 2024-12-27

59 Haemaji-gil, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-670-2518

Naksan Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Yangyang, located in Joseon-ri, Yangyang-eup, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do. Since its opening in 1963, it has attracted more than 1 million visitors each year, its reputation being rivaled only by the Gyeongpodae Beach on the east coast of Korea. The 4 kilometer-long sand beach contrasts magnificently with the lush pine trees of the area. The water is less than 1.5 meter deep, making it a good place for all ages. Naksanhang Port marks one end of the beach, behind which Naksan Mountain, the location of Naksansa Temple, can be found. The other end has a lake formed at the delta of Namdaecheon Stream, which originates from Seoraksan Mountain. Many cafes, convenience stores, restaurants, and accommodations cater to the needs of the visitors. The beach sees considerable traffic in winter as well, when it serves as a popular venue for sunrise-watching, particularly for the New Year’s Day festival.

Ocean Valley Resort (오션벨리리조트)

15.9Km 2025-03-16

127-30, Ilchul-ro, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-672-4200

Ocean Valley Resort is located on the sandy shore of Naksan Beach staring out at the clean blue waters of the East Sea. The resort is the closest accommodation to the ocean in the nation. Since its opening in 2001, the resort has continued to strive to provide the best service in order for customers to have an unforgettable experience. The resort is open all year long, allowing guests to enjoy a range of activities like Naksan Beach in the summer to skiing in the winter.

There are many attractions close to the resort including Naksansa Temple, Cheoksan Hot Springs, Osaek Mineral Spring, and Unification Observatory. Guests can also enjoy a wide range of leisure sports like sea fishing, boating, water skiing and golf. Ocean Valley Resort is an environmentally conscious resort that uses solar power to cover its energy needs.

Deungbul Garden (등불가든)

16.3Km 2025-01-23

23 Powolladeul-gil, Yangyang-eup, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do

This restaurant serves the delectable combination of pine mushrooms and Yangyang Korean beef. Every fall, you can enjoy grilled natural pine mushrooms with Korean beef special cuts and rib eye. Note that while the meat is served throughout the year, pine mushrooms are only offered when they can be harvested. Other popular dishes include Korean beef bulgogi with pine mushrooms and hot pot. American pop singer and producer Kanye West once visited this restaurant.

Osaengnyeong (Hangyeryeong) Pass (오색령(한계령))

16.8Km 2021-04-12

Seo-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-672-2883

This 1,004 m-high pass connects Seo-myeon of Yangyang-gun and Buk-myeon and Girin-myeon of Inje-gun, at the border between Naeseorak and Namseorak. The people of Yangyang know the pass as Osaengnyeong, while in Inje it is known as Hangyeryeong. Yi Jung-hwan, a late Joseon period scholar and the author of the geographical text Taengniji (On Selecting a Village), counted Osaengnyeong Pass as the first and the foremost of the six famous passes in Gangwon-do. Indeed, Osaengnyeong Pass was the route through which essential supplies were transported from Yangyang (in Yeongdong) to Inje (in Yeongseo region), and the rough pass taken by the people of Yangyang on the way to Seoul. Its presence in the folklore of the region can be seen in the popular song Hangyeryeong, which speaks to the difficulties of those who had to climb the pass. Hangyeryeong Road was opened in 1981, and today’s National Road No. 44 is famous for being a driving course through the beauty of Seoraksan Mountain. This is also the starting point of the shortest route to Daecheongbong Peak, the highest peak in Seoraksan Mountain, and the trail to the summit of Jeombongsan Mountain.

Bongjeongam Hermitage (Inje) (봉정암(인제))

16.9Km 2024-02-28

1700 Baekdam-ro, Buk-myeon, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do

Bongjeongam Hermitage, situated at the highest point of Seoraksan Mountain, stands at 1,244 meters above sea level. Due to its elevation, one can witness snow-covered landscapes well into late May. The temple is 10.6 kilometers from the entrance of Baekdamsa Temple and requires 4-5 hours of steep climbing to reach. The view from Bongjeongam Hermitage is breathtaking, but the view of Seoraksan Mountain from the Shrine of Sakyamuni Buddha's Sarira is equally unmissable.

Jinburyeong Heulli Village (진부령 흘리마을)

17.8Km 2025-01-17

185 Heulli-gil, Ganseong-eup, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do

Jinburyeong Heulli Village, situated near Jinburyeong Pass, is known for its long winters, lasting up for half a year. As a result, the village cultivates highland crops such as chicory and bell peppers and operates pollack-drying fields. Visitors can purchase locally produced wild vegetables, corn, potatoes, medicinal herbs, and honey, or participate in a bell pepper-picking experience. The village is also popular for its local dishes, especially those featuring chicken.

Hani Lavender Farm (하늬라벤더팜)

18.3Km 2024-02-28

175 Kkotdaemaeul-gil, Ganseong-eup, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-681-0005

The Hani Lavender Farm transforms into a sea of purple every June, as its lavender fields reach full bloom. During this time, the farm celebrates with a Lavender Festival, featuring concerts and workshops on making lavender sachets. Beyond lavender, the farm showcases other floral attractions such as rye fields and hydrangea gardens. Visitors can capture memorable photos against the stunning natural scenery and indulge in unique treats like lavender ice cream.

Naksansa Temple (낙산사) - Area information - Korea travel information