Jeju Gwaneumsa Temple

Located at the foot of Hallasan Mountain at 650 meters above sea level is Gwaneumsa Temple. Gwaneumsa Temple is the headquarters of the 23rd District of the Jogye sect of Korean Buddhism, is the center of Jeju’s Buddhism that oversees over 30 temples on the island. A geographical text composed during the rule of King Seongjong of Joseon titled “Newly Augmented Geographical Conspectus of the Eastern Kingdom” (Sinjeung Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam) has records of this temple. Today’s complex is a rebuilt one, which began with the reconstruction of the Daeungjeon Hall in 1969 and followed by Seonbang Living Quarters, Yeongsanjeon Hall, Haewolgak Hall, the Four Heavenly Kings gates, Iljumun Gate, and the Bell Pavilion.

The temple complex is quite small, but the view of the stone road leading into the temple is quite impressive. Everything on the premises is maintained with great care every day, so they appear to be well-ordered and harmonious. Fans of K-dramas will recognize the temple from the drama “Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022).” Visitors interested in experiencing a day of life in a temple can opt for the Templestay program.