Naksansa is a seaside temple in Yangyang, Gangwon Province, said to have been founded in 671 by the monk Uisang. It is one of Korea's three great Gwaneum (Avalokitesvara) pilgrimage sites, alongside Bomunsa and Boriam. It is famed for cliff-top sea views including Uisangdae Pavilion, Hongryeonam Hermitage, and a 16-meter Haesu Gwaneum statue; much of it was destroyed in the 2005 Yangyang wildfire and reconstruction was completed by 2012.
Uisangdae Pavilion, a cliff-top pavilion counted among the Eight Scenic Views of Gwandong and a famous sunrise spot
Hongryeonam Hermitage, built above a seaside sea-cave, with a small hole in the floor revealing the waves below
The 16-meter Haesu Gwaneum statue, one of the largest sea-facing Avalokitesvara statues in Korea
Restored main halls such as Wontongbojeon and Botajeon, and the seven-story stone pagoda
A scenic coastal walking path linking Uisangdae and Hongryeonam
Good to know
SeasonUisangdae is a top sunrise and New Year's viewing spot, so it gets extremely crowded around the year-end/New Year and on early weekend mornings. If you go for sunrise, be ready to move in the dark.
RulesThis is an active working temple. Keep quiet inside the main halls (e.g. Wontongbojeon) and do not disturb people praying or attending services.
MannersHongryeonam and the Haesu Gwaneum statue are places of prayer. Be considerate of worshippers when taking photos, and respect any no-photography signs.
SafetyUisangdae and Hongryeonam sit on sea cliffs. Do not climb past the railings or onto wet rocks, and take care in strong wind and on slippery surfaces.
SafetyWith its wooded hills and many wooden buildings, the site is fire-prone (it suffered a major wildfire in 2005). Do not smoke or use open flames outside designated areas.
Practical info
Admission is free (temple cultural-heritage viewing fees were waived nationwide in May 2023). Parking, however, is paid: the main (Naksan) lot and Uisangdae lot charge a fee, while the Naksan Port lot is free (about a 10-minute walk). Most visitors spend 1-2 hours. Please confirm current fees, opening hours, and parking rates with the temple office before your visit.
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