Songnisan & Beopjusa Temple

Yoo Chung · CC BY-SA 2.5

Korea's only surviving five-storey wooden pagoda, beside a 33-metre gilded bronze Buddha.

Beopjusa holds two things found nowhere else: Palsangjeon, the only five-storey wooden pagoda left in Korea, rebuilt in 1626 without a single iron nail; and a 33-metre gilt-bronze Maitreya that shines out of the forest. The temple sits inside Songnisan National Park — 'the mountain that leaves the world' — with trails through old pine woods. On the way in stands a pine granted the rank of a second-degree official, for lifting its branches so a king's palanquin could pass.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Songnisan & Beopjusa Temple?

October–November

How much does it cost to visit Songnisan & Beopjusa Temple?

Free (the cultural heritage fee was abolished in May 2023); parking charged separately

How long do you need at Songnisan & Beopjusa Temple?

Half a day

What are the opening hours of Songnisan & Beopjusa Temple?

07:00–18:00

Did you know

The temple was founded in 553, during the Silla period.
Palsangjeon is a national treasure and Korea's only remaining five-storey wooden pagoda.
The bronze Maitreya, 33m tall, was completed in 1990.
The Jeongipumsong pine on the approach has held official rank since the 15th century.

Travel tips

Intercity buses run from Cheongju or Daejeon to Songnisan.
The trail from the temple to Munjangdae peak takes about four hours return.
Autumn is the finest season — and the busiest.

Source: https://www.khan.co.kr/article/202305011106001

Updated: 2026-08-04