Naksansa Temple Yangyang Review 2026: Kid-Friendly & Ocean Views

Must-Visit Places in Yangyang: Yangyang Hyuhyuam Temple

Korea's Top 3 Gwaneum Sacred Sites: A Review of Haesu Gwaneumsang with Kids

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When you search for places to visit in Yangyang, Naksansa Temple always comes up.

It's such a famous spot, and since I also had to write an experience report with the kids,

I decided to visit Naksansa while I was in Yangyang.

Honestly, I initially thought it was just another famous temple,

but after visiting it in person, my opinion completely changed.

I went with my kids in June,

and the moment I saw the Haesu Gwaneumsang (Sea-view Avalokiteshvara statue), I was overwhelmed by its scale.

We also made wishes while walking the "Path Where Dreams Come True",

and it turned out to be a perfect place to visit with kids.

📍 Location: 100 Naksansa-ro, Ganghyeon-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Province

Admission: Free

🕐 Operating Hours: Open all year round

🅿️ Parking: Available. Paid

Parking Information

The parking space is quite spacious.

The parking fee for 2 hours and 22 minutes was ~$4.

They say there are no discounts available;

Naksansa Temple Entrance

After taking photos, we headed up.

Why Naksansa Temple is a Special Place

Honestly, before I went, I didn't really know why Naksansa Temple was so famous.

I looked it up to explain it to my kids,

and Naksansa is known as one of Korea's top three Gwaneum Sacred Sites, along with Boriam Temple and Bomunsa Temple.

What is a Gwaneum Sacred Site?

It refers to temples dedicated to Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, who symbolizes compassion and wisdom,

and are known to be particularly potent.

The prayer "Namu Amita Bul Gwanseeum Bosal~" is precisely a plea for reliance and salvation to this very Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva.

Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva is a being who listens to the suffering of sentient beings and delivers them,

and it's a place sought not only by Buddhists but by many people

at crossroads in their lives.

Naksansa Temple was built by Uisang Daesa of Silla in 671, when he arrived in Yangyang, Gangwon Province,

and heard that Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva lived in a cave on this beach.

He prayed day and night for 7 days on a rock in front of the stone cave,

and after seeing Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva appear in a red lotus, he founded the temple.

Simply put, it's known as a place where wishes come true. It's one of Korea's most renowned places of prayer.

In front of Wontongbojeon Hall stands the Naksansa Seven-story Stone Pagoda.

It is Treasure No. 499, and a pagoda completed by King Sejo of Joseon in 1467.

This pagoda has stood firm throughout Naksansa Temple's history of repeated fires and reconstructions since its founding in 671.

The Path Where Dreams Come True

We Walked It with the Kids

Upon entering Naksansa Temple, my kids were especially curious because they heard there was a walking trail called 'The Path Where Dreams Come True'.

After passing Wontongbojeon Hall, there's a path leading to the Haesu Gwaneumsang.

It's a path that continues through pine trees, and they say if you make a wish while walking it, it will come true.

It was a bit hot since it was June, but the shade from the pine trees made it bearable.

A breeze was also blowing, so it was surprisingly cool.

The kids also walked earnestly, praying as they stacked stones on small stone pagodas.

It's a bit tricky to find stones on the ground nearby, though! ;;;

We managed to place a few pebbles.

As for what wish was made,

my eldest, now a teenager, wouldn't tell me what they wished for.... Typical!

The path from Wontongbojeon to the Haesu Gwaneumsang statue

used to be just one way,

but I heard an accessible pathway for wheelchairs was later built, making it barrier-free for everyone to enjoy!

So it now splits into two,

but don't worry, both paths lead you to the incredible Haesu Gwaneumsang statue!

Ringing the Bell

As we made our way to the Haesu Gwaneumsang, we heard the beautiful sound of a bell ringing.

When we reached the top, we discovered that visitors could actually ring it themselves!

When we first arrived, there wasn't much of a queue,

but it quickly grew longer.

After that climb, it was getting pretty warm, so we each treated ourselves to an ice cream!

You'll find everything here – souvenirs, candles, and a reception desk.

Haesu Gwaneumsang

As you ascend to the very top of Naksansa Temple, the magnificent Haesu Gwaneumsang statue is the first thing to greet your eyes.

This stunning Gwaneumsang (Avalokiteshvara) stands an impressive 16 meters tall, gazing out over the East Sea.

I recall hearing it's as tall as a five-story apartment building!

It's truly colossal – far more impressive in person than any photo can capture.

The moment I first laid eyes on it, I was utterly overwhelmed by its sheer scale and found myself just standing there in awe for a moment.

From the base of the Haesu Gwaneumsang, you're treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of the sparkling East Sea.

The Gwaneumsang, majestically poised against the ocean backdrop, is truly a sight to behold.

Standing before it, gazing out at the East Sea and towards Seoraksan Mountain and Goseong,

I truly understood the saying that all the worries and anxieties of the world simply melt away.

With the Haesu Gwaneumsang majestically dominating the spacious plaza,

and witnessing people offering their prayers,

the atmosphere felt incredibly grand, and even the kids were utterly fascinated!

Of course, we snapped a proof shot for our 'experience report' – gotta document everything, right? 😉

The Famous Monk Statue

I initially thought this was the statue of Great Master Uisang, but a quick check revealed it's actually Great Master Wonhyo! While Naksansa Temple was indeed founded by Uisang Daesa, it turns out that Wonhyo Daesa also shares a profound connection with the temple.

The fascinating reason why a statue of Great Master Wonhyo (and not Uisang Daesa) stands at Naksansa Temple in Yangyang is because these two revered monks were close companions and lifelong partners, united in their mission to popularize Buddhism during the Unified Silla period.

Even with a bit of construction happening above, which made things a little messy,

we still managed to snag some great photos!

For a while, we admired the scenery, took photos, and rested.

Even though I got teased for not being good at taking pictures ㅠㅠ

Next, we're heading to Uisangdae Pavilion, the revered spot where the Venerable Uisang once meditated.

Along the way, we found souvenirs and Botajeon Hall, where you can enjoy a refreshing cup of tea.

After browsing souvenirs at Botajeon Hall, we passed by a beautiful lotus pond and continued towards Uisangdae Pavilion.

We even spotted a turtle and managed to snap a picture!

Uisangdae Pavilion

Uisangdae Pavilion is a beautiful structure built in 1925 to commemorate the Venerable Uisang, who founded Naksansa Temple in the 16th year of King Munmu of Silla.

It's said that Uisang resided here when he founded Naksansa Temple, and it's been called Uisangdae since ancient times as it was his place of meditation.

Perched on a coastal cliff, the view of the East Sea is simply breathtaking!

No wonder it feels so cool with the refreshing breeze.

Watching the waves crash also brought a profound sense of tranquility to my heart.

From afar, we could hear the chanting of Buddhist scriptures, beckoning us towards Hongnyeonam Hermitage.

Beyond Uisangdae Pavilion, perched precariously on a rugged coastal cliff, lies Hongnyeonam Hermitage (紅蓮庵).

Legend has it that the Venerable Uisang directly encountered Avalokiteshvara (the Bodhisattva of Compassion) emerging from a red lotus (紅蓮) here. It's a place imbued with a mystical tale, said to have been built by him on that very spot.

The path runs along the cliffside, which the children especially loved!

Hongnyeonam Hermitage

The main hall of Hongnyeonam Hermitage is quite small; inside, a monk was chanting scriptures, and devotees and tourists alike were entering to bow in reverence.

On the floor inside Hongnyeonam's main hall, there's a small glass window.

Through it, you can look down into a cave (Gwaneumgul, or Avalokiteshvara Cave) below the cliff, where you can reportedly witness the waves crashing.

We had no idea! ;;

(Perhaps that's why it was so crowded...)

Donation Box

They say it grants wishes, so you just have to keep wishing!

I wondered where they went, and there they were, making wishes again!

My little cuties!

Now we're heading down and moving on!

We get to see the ocean (though there was a slightly smelly spot along the way!)

We even passed through an acupressure path.

Oh, my feet hurt so much! But it felt incredibly refreshing!

Why it's Great for Families with Kids!

✔ It's right next to Naksan Beach, making the route super convenient.

✔ Based on our June visit, it was a little warm,

but the breeze made it perfect for walking.

✔ There's no entrance fee, so you can visit without any pressure, and the walking paths aren't too challenging, making it wonderful for kids.

A 2-3 hour exploration route.

If you're looking for places to visit in Yangyang, Gangwon-do, it's absolutely perfect to combine Naksan Beach with Naksansa for a full-day adventure.

A morning stroll around Naksansa,

followed by an afternoon at the beach, seems like the most efficient itinerary!

Weather During Our June Visit to Naksansa

Naksansa in Yangyang isn't just about exploring a temple;

it's a truly special place where over a thousand years of history meet the breathtaking ocean.

If you're searching for incredible places to visit in Yangyang,

make sure to visit Naksansa and Naksan Beach as a perfect combo.

There's a good reason why it's considered one of Korea's top three sacred sites dedicated to Avalokiteshvara (Gwanseum-bosal).

It's also a wonderful spot to make heartfelt wishes with your children.

---

Naksansa is conveniently surrounded by fantastic restaurants,

and the accommodation where we stayed, Yangyang Grandbay, is also nearby!

Right in front of Naksan Beach, with a rooftop pool

Our review of Yangyang Grandbay, where we stayed for under ~\$73 🔽