Yakcheonsa Temple 약천사

Yakcheonsa is not and old temple as it was only recently built in the 90s, It was built in the style of Buddhist temples of the early Joseon Dynasty. The main hall is massive and there are claims that it is the largest in East Asia. Located on the south western coast of Jeju Island, surrounded by other tourist hot spots, it’s an easy enough place to stop for a few pictures and a quiet break.

Around the outside of the first floor of the structure are intricately carved window shutters, each featuring a different carving telling a story. After walking around the outside upon entering the main hall is a massive Buddha statue with two more Buddha statues on either side. Dragons encircle golden pillars in the front of the Buddha and the walls are covered with beautifully colored paintings, making it almost a shock to the eyes upon entering with so much to see.

The manicured lawn in front of the main hall is surrounded by small elephant statues and walking down the path in the center leads down to a pond and then further into an orange and palm tree grove. Flanking the lawn are two structures, one containing a large drum that we were lucky to see pounded by one of the onsite monks in the morning, and the other houses an 18-ton bronze bell.

1165 Daepo-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

064-738-5000