JEOLLA
Temples in the Jeolla region
These are the 4 temples in the Jeolla region in Korea's southwest, a mix of mountain monasteries and seaside hermitages. Most are reached by bus or taxi from a nearby KTX station or bus terminal.
They are far apart, so most visitors see one or two at a time rather than all in one day. We have not checked travel time between them; use a map app.
Admission and English-friendliness in the table are the same checked values as on each temple page. Open a temple for opening hours, etiquette and a taxi card you can show a driver without speaking Korean.
| Temple | Region | Admission | English | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hwaeomsa Temple | Gurye, Jeonnam (Mt. Jirisan) | Free | Medium | Day visit or templestay |
| Mihwangsa Temple | Haenam, Jeonnam | Free | High | Day visit or templestay |
| Baekyangsa Temple | Jangseong (Jeolla) | Free | Very High | Day visit or templestay |
| Hyangiram Hermitage | Yeosu, Jeonnam | Adults 2,500 KRW / youth & military 1,500 KRW / children 1,000 KRW (individual rates; no charge for ages 70+, persons of national merit, disabled visitors and preschool children) | Medium | Day visit or templestay |
Hwaeomsa Temple 화엄사
The grand Avatamsaka sanctuary nestled in Mt. Jirisan featuring National Treasure Gakhwangjeon
A majestic cathedral-scale mountain monastery in Mt. Jirisan National Park. Renowned for its towering Gakhwangjeon Hall, deep dawn chanting, the dark red plum blossoms beside Gakhwangjeon, and foreigner-friendly vegan culture.
Getting there: Take the KTX from Yongsan to Guryegu Station, then a taxi (about 25 minutes, about 14 km, roughly 18,000 KRW). From Gurye Bus Terminal in Gurye town, take a city bus or a taxi (about 10 minutes, per the temple).
Hwaeomsa Temple: Hours, etiquette and taxi card →Mihwangsa Temple 미황사
An old temple at the southern tip of the Korean peninsula, embracing West Sea sunsets beneath Mt. Dalma's rocky cliffs
One of Korea's most celebrated sunset temples, with dramatic rocky cliffs and the Dalmagodo Trail starting right at the temple.
Getting there: Take a KTX service from Yongsan to Mokpo (about 2 hours 20 minutes), transfer separately to Mokpo Bus Terminal, then take a bus to Haenam (about 1 hour). From Haenam Bus Terminal, allow about 35 minutes by taxi, or about 40 minutes on a local bus that stops at Mihwangsa plus a 10-minute walk from the Iljumun gate. Allow extra time for station transfers and waiting.
Mihwangsa Temple: Hours, etiquette and taxi card →Baekyangsa Temple 백양사
Home to Master Jeong Kwan's world-renowned temple cuisine and fiery autumn maples
Featured on Netflix's Chef's Table. The reflection of Ssanggyeru pavilion on the pond is Korea's autumn postcard.
Getting there: Take a KTX service from Yongsan to Jeongeup Station (about 1 hour 30 minutes). From there, take a taxi to Baekyangsa (about 35 minutes, roughly 30,000 KRW), or walk about 10 minutes to Jeongeup Bus Terminal for a bus to Baekyangsa (about 35 minutes). Buses are infrequent, so allow time for waiting. Alternatively, take a Mugunghwa train from Yongsan to Baegyangsa Station (about 3 hours 55 minutes, per the temple) and continue by bus or taxi.
Baekyangsa Temple: Hours, etiquette and taxi card →Hyangiram Hermitage 향일암
A cliffside sanctuary facing the vast southern sea horizon and rising sun
Perched dramatically on sheer coastal cliffs, offering breathtaking ocean sunrises reached through narrow natural rock gateways.
Getting there: From a stop near KTX Yeosu-Expo Station, take city bus 111 or 111-1 to the Impo (Hyangiram) stop and walk up (about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours including walking, per Kakao Map). The hermitage's own page lists the direct bus 111 for the first morning bus only and transfers otherwise, so check the route in Kakao Map before you go. A taxi from the station takes about 40 minutes (about 26 km, roughly 23,000 KRW).
Hyangiram Hermitage: Hours, etiquette and taxi card →