VISIT JEJU

Namguksa Temple is loved by many for its beauty, tranquil atmosphere, and harmony with Jeju’s serene nature. It is located in the city center of Jeju and close to the airport, making it easily accessible. In addition, various restaurants and cafés nearby allow visitors to enjoy many things after visiting the temple. The best time to visit is right after arriving at the airport or just before leaving at the end of the trip.

The first thing to notice when entering the temple is the beautiful, centuries-old cedar forest trail, where one can listen to the sounds of nature, including birds, water, and wind. The mossy stones and trees, untouched by man, remain in their natural state. 

The morning sunlight casts spectacular shadows across the trees. The dense cedar wood is photogenic enough alone, so it’s worth exploring early in the morning when the light is at its best.

A little further from the entrance, a sign points the way to the Dharma Hall. From here, the path is adorned with colorful hydrangeas: the cedars’ green leaves and the hydrangeas’ different colors combine to bring serenity to visitors, creating a scene like a fairy tale. As there are few on Jeju Island where cedars and hydrangeas come together so beautifully, many tourists and locals visit this temple every year, despite its small size, when the hydrangeas are in full bloom.

Namguksa Temple also has great value in terms of history and culture. Founded during the Joseon dynasty, it has been a place of faith and peace for many people over centuries. Moreover, the temple’s Dharma Hall preserves the traditional Korean architectural style. Its interior is decorated with Buddha statues and paintings depicting Buddhist teachings, creating a reverent atmosphere. 

The temple has no photo areas created for tourists, but the view of nature is so beautiful that it is worth visiting anytime, even if it’s not the hydrangea season.