Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: temple (25) people (8) stay (8) visit (6) worth (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Anthony G. 6 years ago on Google
    Let me start this comment by clarifying something. This one star is not for the Buddhist experience and monks, which was great. This one, bad star goes directly to the people responsible for the visitors at the temple stay. Don't get me wrong: I am a young traveller with a backpack, and I perfectly knew this would be a temple stay. I wasn't expecting the comfort of a four-star hotel, and that was absolutely fine with me. I don't usually give bad reviews online but I'm afraid this one really deserves it. Here's why: - The man who looks after the travellers could not care more about you. He does not wait for half of the people when we visit the temple. He hardly translates anything for people who don't speak Korean. He hardly answers when you ask for directions to the bathroom, the prayer room, the cafe, etc. The very same man (I don't know his name) told us we couldn't eat with the monks. When we were sitting down for dinner, he explained it was very important to finish everything in our plates. This is totally understandable, expect when HE doesn't finish his own plate. I am asking you, what kind of temple stay is this? - I stayed two nights there. On my second night, I was asked to leave my shared room to go to another one. The man in question just told me to pack my stuff and free the room without a smile, a 'please' or an explanation. After asking a couple of times, he said he needed to separate men from women (which wasn't the case during the first night!). We were moved to another building 10 mins walk from the temple, in an extremely hot room. The worst part was the man's lie to me, as we had women with us, and there were men in the first room I stayed in. In what temple do the people who are supposed to look after you just lie to your face like this? - A very impersonal, often rude service. The people there don't speak perfect English (which is definitely not the problem, as I was the traveller in Korea, and I don't speak Korean). However, when you visit a place - and pay for it! - you would still expect a smile, a "thank you" and a "please" from time to time, as it's free of charge. - As I calmly expressed my dissatisfastion to the people looking after us, a lady from their team clearly started to show her impatience at me, and even waved at me as to say "if you are not happy, you can f*** off". All in all, I was extremely disappointed with the welcoming team from Haeinsa temple stay. They give you this horrible feeling that you are here just to give your money to them, and nothing more. Once again, this comment has got nothing to do with an overnight stay in a buddhist temple. I highly recommend doing one, but just NOT at Haeinsa.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Johnny B. 4 months ago on Google • 166 reviews
    A must see attraction. Beautiful Buddhist temple housing the Tripitaka Koreana, the most complete collection of Buddhist texts, engraved on 80,000 woodblocks between 1237 and 1248. If you want to see the blocks up close, you can book a tour online. It wasn’t crowded when we went on Sunday. Definitely worth visiting. It’a a serene environment steeped in wonderful Korean history.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kallie D. 1 year ago on Google • 212 reviews
    Probably the best temple I have visited. Very interesting and the surrounding nature is absolutely stunning. If you are interested in temples and Buddhism this temple is a must. Its a massive contributor to Korean culture. This temple and its monks had a huge influence on Koreas history and culture and was regarded as one of the most important places in Silla and early Joseon dynasties. The temple also offers a temple stay

  • 5/5 Jeff S. 2 years ago on Google • 58 reviews
    A great temple and amazing experience visiting during a prayer session. So many buildings to walk around and view. The wood tablets are very interesting! I will definitely be back to enjoy the views and experience the temple again! Highly recommend a visit
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rowena K. W. 7 months ago on Google • 169 reviews
    The buildings are incredibly well maintained. The grounds are shaded for the most part. There are ramps for seniors and wheelchairs. When I visited this afternoon in 34°C heat, it was still quite manageable. It is a functioning temple and monastery so some parts are blocked off. There are several scenic trails in Gayasan to reach the peak. Visitors can even stay in the temple residences. There is a town at the foot of the hill. There are buses going between West Daegu Bus Terminal and the temple. If you don't have a car, it won't be a problem.

  • 5/5 Sulman K. 5 years ago on Google
    Have a great time there, nices tviews and awsum weather. Plenty of clean restrooms there. Regular buses available to make it reachable at base. Variety of food stalls, no halal food available but one can buy sweet 🌽 boiled. At store there are Also eatables. Read and eat. Track is very beautiful and clean access. Parking also available free of cost.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Justin G. 8 months ago on Google
    Beautiful temple with amazing views. The history and culture is an experience that we will never forget.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alex M. 6 years ago on Google • 60 reviews
    Nice temple we stay for two days the atmosphere is so enchanting, calming and resourcing, the morning ceremony is awesome and you should hear the drums at 4 am

  • 5/5 het SportPakhuis B. 5 years ago on Google • 48 reviews
    Beautifull tempel, absolute worth the visit!

  • 5/5 E G. 4 months ago on Google • 37 reviews
    Stunning location with great views and a 15min walk to the temple beside a rocky river in the heart of the nature. Gets pretty chilly in late November. One of my two favorite temples in South Korea. Pretty crowded but worth it.

  • 5/5 Peter J. 9 months ago on Google • 28 reviews
    A must see attraction. Beautiful Buddhist temple housing the Tripitaka Koreana, the most complete collection of Buddhist texts, engraved on 80,000 woodblocks between 1237 and 1248. If you want to see the blocks up close, you can book a tour online. The tour is every Saturday and Sunday at 10am and 2pm with a maximum of 20 people. Guided by a monk, it’s very informative. Conservative wear is mandatory. No revealing clothes, like shorts, sandals, or tank tops (although you can wear this outside the tour). No photos when in the library. Be respectful. I’d you don’t want to enter the library, you can go without reservations. Wasn’t crowded when I went on a weekend. Some staircases and inclines are steep and may be a challenge for mobility impaired individuals. There are ramps for those that want to avoid stairs. Definitely worth visiting. It’a a serene environment steeped in history.

  • 5/5 Max S. 9 months ago on Google • 24 reviews
    I stayed two nights here and I highly advise you to do so as well. This really allows you to see, hear and enjoy the temple. It is very interesting, beautiful, and interesting to be present during all the ceremonies. We took some long hikes and the views are amazing!

  • 2/5 Samuel David L. 3 years ago on Google
    Nothing that big to see... not as crazy as people say it is

  • 5/5 Robin “로빈” S. 6 years ago on Google
    Love this place. People complain about not able to see the tripitaka koreana up close. It's still worth to visit the place in my opinion. Nice services are offered. Clean toilets, book store, cafes, souvenier shops and much more. Sorry about my bad English.

  • 5/5 황선영 9 months ago on Google
    Theirisburhihq I'm burning with the candles are burning It'stoobig

  • 5/5 Heather K. 3 months ago on Google • 11 reviews New
    My favourite temple in South Korea. Gorgeous setting in the mountains and absolutely worth a visit to see the Tripitaka.


Call +82 55-934-3152 Open on Google Maps

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

Haeinsa Temple image
1
Haeinsa Temple
Buddhist temple
This 9th-century temple in Gaya Mountains has 80,000+ woodblocks engraved with Buddhist scriptures.
4.60 (3.8K reviews)
Tripitaka Koreana Depository (Janggyeong Panjeon) image
2
Tripitaka Koreana Depository (Janggyeong Panjeon)
Heritage preservation
Haeinsa Temple's vast collection of 13th-century Buddhist scriptures engraved on woodblocks.
4.60 (3.5K reviews)
Last updated:
()