CNN introduced the “33 most beautiful temples in Korea” in 2020. CNN Travel section introduces Korea’s beautiful temples for US visitors out of 900 temples in Korea with historical significance)
 |
| 망경사 |
(CNN) — There are some 900 traditional Buddhist temples in South Korea — and around 20,000 in total. A visit to any of these local places of worship — many of them centuries old — can be a humbling, calming or uplifting experience.
Many of them can be found nestled in the mountains throughout the country, usually in locations believed to have the best pung-su (feng shui) of the area.
But despite the endlessly beautiful and numerous temples, even the most serious pilgrim need not visit all 900. The 33 temples below — 33 to match Buddha’s 33 steps to enlightenment — are simply breathtaking.
□ Manggyeongsa (망경사), Hyeol-dong, Taebaek-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 태백시 혈동)
 |
| 망경사 |
Manggyeongsa Temple is situated on Taebaek mountain, at an altitude of 1,460 meters.
Courtesy Korea Tourism Organization Manggyeongsa Temple is situated on Taebaek Mountain, at an altitude of 1,460 meters.
Legend has it that a stone statue of the Bodhisattva of wisdom appeared at the Manggyeongsa Temple site. When Jajang, a monk from the Silla Dynasty (57 BC-935 AD), heard of it, he built the temple to enshrine the statue.
The “Dragon Spring” near the entrance of the temple is known as the highest spring in Korea.
□ Taeansa (태안사), 622-215 Taean-ro, Jukgok-myeon, Goksung-gun, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 곡성군 죽곡면 태안로 622-215)
 |
| 태안사 |
Taeansa Temple in autumn. Korean Tourist Organization
Taeansa Temple is especially beautiful in fall when the thick forest surrounding the temple turns red and yellow.
The 2.3 kilometers of driveway leading up to the temple, as well as the 1.8-kilometer-long valley where it is situated, make for beautiful drives in every season.
Nearby attractions include Neungpa Tower, an exquisite traditional site near the Dongli Mountain valley, Gok-song Haneulnari Village (a farming-themed village) five kilometers away and a sledding hill.
