Magoksa Temple is the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. According to historical records, the temple was built in the 9th century when Buddhism began to spread throughout Korea. It’s about 25 minutes by car from Gongju city center.

Together with six other temples, Magoksa is part of Sansa, or Buddhist mountain monasteries, that have been registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Korea. All of these sansa monasteries are characterized by a unique layout specific to Korea – the ‘madang’ (open courtyard) flanked by four buildings (Buddha Hall, pavilion, lecture hall and dormitory).

What’s even more unique about Magoksa is the fact that the complex is divided by a stream. The northern compound contains the main hall and a five-story stone pagoda with a Tibetan-style top story from the 14th century. The southern compound features a small yard and contains Yeongsanjeon Hall and a place to practice meditation with a Buddha statue and a painting of Buddha’s life (The Eight Great Events).

Website: http://www.magoksa.or.kr/

Hours: Summer (March to October): 9AM - 6PM; Winter (November to February): 9AM - 5PM

Naver map: https://naver.me/xl0DxTVQ