Korea's East Coast: Seoraksan, Naksansa and Gangneung

3 DAYS 3 places by WaTrips

Seoraksan National Park and Sinheungsa, the seaside temple of Naksansa and Gyeongpodae Pavilion in Gangneung.

The east coast pairs granite mountains with the sea. Spend a day in Seoraksan National Park, with its cable car, hiking trails and the great bronze Buddha at Sinheungsa. Visit Naksansa, a temple perched on cliffs above the East Sea, and end in Gangneung at Gyeongpodae Pavilion, a classic spot for watching the moon over the lake, plus the city's coffee street by the beach. Autumn colours on Seoraksan in October are famous.

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Sinheungsa Temple Seoraksan

Sinheungsa is a Buddhist temple at the foot of Seoraksan, one of Korea's most beautiful national parks. A giant bronze seated Buddha welcomes visitors near the entrance, and the temple dates back to the Silla period. It is the starting point for hikes and the cable car to Gwongeumseong fortress. Autumn colours in October make this one of the most popular times to visit.

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Naksansa Temple

Naksansa is a Buddhist temple on the cliffs of the East Sea coast near Yangyang, founded in the 7th century by the monk Uisang. A large white statue of the Bodhisattva of Compassion faces the ocean, and the small Hongnyeonam hermitage is perched above a sea cave. The temple was rebuilt after a forest fire in 2005. Early mornings are lovely for the sunrise over the sea.

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Gyeongpodae Pavilion

Gyeongpodae is a pavilion near Gyeongpo Lake in Gangneung, famous since the Joseon era as a place to admire the moon. The wooden pavilion stands on a small hill overlooking the lake, and poems by scholars hang inside. In spring the area around the lake is lined with cherry blossoms. Gyeongpo Beach, one of the best beaches on the east coast, is nearby.

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