Seoraksan Park and Naksansa Temple Culture Tour from Seoul
Description
Seoraksan National Park and Naksansa Temple Culture Experience tour itinerary: 8:00 Departure from Seoul 11:00 Seoraksan National Park 12:30 Lunch (Self-expense) 14:00 Naksansa Temple 17:30 Dinner in Temple (Vegetarian option only) 18:30 Temple uniform returning and departure to Seoul 21:00 Drop-off at Hongik University The tour begins at Seoraksan Park where visitors can enjoy breathtaking landscapes, granite peaks, ancient forests, and beautiful hiking trails while experiencing the natural beauty that has made Seoraksan a national treasure. The tour continues to Naksansa Temple in, a historic Buddhist temple founded in 671 AD. Participants will take part in a temple culture experience, learning proper temple etiquette, wearing traditional temple attire and exploring the temple grounds with guidance. The experience concludes with a traditional temple dinner, allowing visitors to sample a simple cuisine enjoyed by Buddhist practitioners before returning to Seoul in the evening.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Seoraksan National Park is one of the first places in Korea where autumn foliage appears, with the leaves typically beginning to change color in October before many other mountains across the country. This makes Seoraksan a popular destination for visitors who want to experience Korea's vibrant fall scenery. In addition to its spectacular red, orange, and gold foliage, Seoraksan is home to the historic Sinheungsa Temple and the iconic Tongil Daebul (Great Buddha). The temple preserves the solemn atmosphere and architectural heritage of Korea's ancient Silla period. During autumn, the colorful maple trees surrounding the temple create a particularly breathtaking landscape, combining natural beauty with cultural history in one unforgettable destination.
Naksansa Temple, located on the dramatic sea cliffs of Yangyang on Korea's east coast, is one of the country's most important Buddhist temples and one of Korea's three sacred Avalokitesvara (Goddess of Mercy) sites. Founded in 671 AD by the renowned monk Uisang during the Silla Dynasty, the temple has served as a place of worship and pilgrimage for more than 1,350 years. Visitors can walk through the historic Hongyemun Gate, explore the peaceful Wontongbojeon Main Hall, and admire the seven-story stone pagoda dating to 1467. One of the temple's most iconic landmarks is the 16-meter-tall Haesugwaneumsang, a majestic seaside statue of the Bodhisattva of Compassion overlooking the East Sea. The coastal trail also leads to Uisangdae Pavilion, one of the famous Eight Scenic Views of Gwandong and a celebrated sunrise destination, as well as Hongnyeonam Hermitage, a unique cliffside sanctuary where visitors can hear the sound of waves beneath the temple floor.
Highlights
What's included
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Seoraksan National Park and Naksansa Temple Culture Experience tour itinerary: 8:00 Departure from Seoul 11:00 Seoraksan National Park 12:30 Lunch (Self-expense) 14:00 Naksansa Temple 17:30 Dinner in Temple (Vegetarian option only) 18:30 Temple uniform returning and departure to Seoul 21:00 Drop-off at Hongik University The tour begins at Seoraksan Park where visitors can enjoy breathtaking landscapes, granite peaks, ancient forests, and beautiful hiking trails while experiencing the natural beauty that has made Seoraksan a national treasure. The tour continues to Naksansa Temple in, a historic Buddhist temple founded in 671 AD. Participants will take part in a temple culture experience, learning proper temple etiquette, wearing traditional temple attire and exploring the temple grounds with guidance. The experience concludes with a traditional temple dinner, allowing visitors to sample a simple cuisine enjoyed by Buddhist practitioners before returning to Seoul in the evening.
- A minimum of 8 people are required for this tour. If the minimum group size is not met, you will be notified by email 3 days before departure with a full refund. For specific departure date requirements, we recommend confirming group status with customer service in advance.
- Please bring your personal water bottle (tumbler recommended)
- A full refund will be provided for cancellations made 3 days or more before the tour date. Cancellations made 2 days before the tour date are eligible for a 50% refund. Cancellations made 1 day before the tour date or on the day of the tour are non-refundable.
- Drinking, smoking and snacking are strictly prohibited during templestay
- Participants are required to wear the temple uniform and modest attire – socks and closed-toe shoes(no sandals or bare feet) Please be respectful and behave in harmony with temple culture.
- When entering the Dharma Hall or encountering a monk, please show your respect with the half bow
- Please keep silent and speak only when necessary as the temple is a spiritual place for practice and meditation.
- Please button up your temple vest and tie up your hair if you have long hair.
- Please be punctual for meals, chanting ceremonies and the other programs.
- Please dispose of used toilet paper in the trash can instead of flushing it.
- We reserve the right to remove from the templestay program any participant who violates the above rules or disrupts the program
