Guinsa Temple

Steve46814 · CC BY-SA 3.0

A temple complex stacked in storeys up a narrow ravine — nothing like Korea's older monasteries.

Guinsa looks like no other temple in Korea: instead of spreading out around courtyards, its buildings rise five to seven storeys and pile up along a steep ravine, linked by stairs and corridors. It is the head temple of the Korean Cheontae order, founded in 1945 and expanded ever since, able to house thousands of monks and pilgrims at once. Walking from the gate to the main hall is a continuous climb between two rock walls, and the sense of architecture closing around you is powerful.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Guinsa Temple?

May–June and September–October

How long do you need at Guinsa Temple?

2 hours

What are the opening hours of Guinsa Temple?

05:00–19:00

Did you know

Head temple of the Korean Cheontae order, established in 1945.
Buildings rise five to seven storeys along the ravine.
It can feed and house thousands of people at once.
Located in Danyang, near Sobaeksan National Park.

Travel tips

A shuttle bus carries visitors from the car park up to the gate.
Photography is not allowed in some ritual areas.
Combine it with Dodamsambong on a Danyang trip.

Source: https://ko.wikipedia.org/wiki/구인사

Updated: 2026-08-04