Odaesan & Woljeongsa Temple

(c)한국불교문화사업단, culturalcorpsofkoreanbuddhism · CC BY-SA 4.0

A kilometre of ancient pines leading to a temple that holds a nine-storey octagonal stone pagoda.

Before you reach Woljeongsa you pass the most memorable part: a kilometre of dirt track between two ranks of old red pines, trunks running straight up, the ground soft with needles. They call it the thousand-year road. At the end is the temple, and in its courtyard a nine-storey octagonal stone pagoda from the Goryeo era — unusual, since Korean pagodas are normally square — with a stone bodhisattva kneeling in offering before it. Odaesan is a large massif holding Korea's most extensive red pine forest, and the trail from the temple up to Sangwonsa and on to Birobong summit takes a full day.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Odaesan & Woljeongsa Temple?

May–June and October (autumn colour)

How much does it cost to visit Odaesan & Woljeongsa Temple?

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

How long do you need at Odaesan & Woljeongsa Temple?

Half a day

What are the opening hours of Odaesan & Woljeongsa Temple?

08:00–18:00

Did you know

The 'thousand-year' red pine road into the temple runs about 1km.
Woljeongsa's nine-storey octagonal pagoda is a national treasure of the Goryeo era.
Odaesan holds the largest area of red pine forest in Korea.
The temple runs a templestay open to foreign visitors.

Travel tips

Come early, while mist still hangs between the pines.
A shuttle bus runs from Woljeongsa up to Sangwonsa if you'd rather not walk.
The trail ices over in winter; crampons are needed.

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

Updated: 2026-08-04