A Day Trip to Yongmunsa Temple in Yangpyeong: Nature, History, and Healing Near Seoul
Yongmunsa Temple Ginkgo Tree, Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi-do: A Perfect Date Spot
I recently visited a temple in Gyeonggi-do, not far from Seoul. This place is known for its beautiful autumn foliage, but it was still lush and green when I went.
The drive itself was lovely, making for a perfect Yangpyeong date course, culminating in a visit to the temple.
Parking costs ₩3,000 for cars. While it takes about an hour to visit the temple, taking your time and listening to the stream can easily fill the time.
The beauty of the ginkgo trees in Yangpyeong is evident even on the way to the temple. The trees in front of the shops start turning yellow in mid-October, while the ancient trees near the temple peak around late October.
If you're looking for a great place for a light outing during a long weekend, how about Yongmunsa Temple? The path to the temple is well-paved, the parking lot is spacious, and the surrounding scenery is truly healing.
During the summer, this area, a tourist complex, is popular for valley water activities. The shallow water makes it a favorite spot for children to play.
The path leading up to the Iljumun Gate (One Pillar Gate) is about 800 meters long. Recently, a 'water sound path' has been created along the valley, offering a more nature-friendly alternative to the road.
Because it isn't too far, this is the perfect course to digest all the food you might have eaten during the holidays. I wondered if there could be a better date course in Gyeonggi-do than following this path along the stream.
I initially thought the path along the road wouldn't be anything special, but visiting after a rainy day made it surprisingly healing, thanks to the loud and refreshing sound of the valley stream.
There's a rest area in the middle of the path that's particularly beautiful when the leaves change color. This is a must-visit destination during autumn in Gyeonggi-do. Even those who can't handle strenuous hikes can manage the gentle incline.
Walking slowly uphill, you'll see the Four Guardian Kings Gate, marking the entrance to the temple. Just beyond it is the Yongmunsa Temple ginkgo tree, so be sure to look up and appreciate the natural scenery.
The ginkgo tree is said to be 1,019 years old, according to a survey by the Korea National Arboretum last year. Unlike the ginkgo tree in Bangye-ri, Wonju, this one grows tall and slender, requiring you to step back quite a distance to capture it in a commemorative photo.
Many people intentionally seek out Yongmunsan Mountain for its beautiful maple trees, making it a popular foliage destination near Seoul. Even elderly visitors who have difficulty walking were enjoying a leisurely stroll to the temple.
This particular tree bears ginkgo nuts, and during harvest season, black cloths are laid out beneath it. This is where the path splits, leading to either the hiking trails or the temple.
Climbing the stairs, you'll see the Daeungjeon Hall (Main Buddha Hall). Perhaps because I've only seen it under construction every year, it felt like a long time since I had last seen the temple in its complete form.
I prayed for the well-being and health of my family.
Inside the building was the Golden Seated Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva statue, which I hadn't seen before because it was on loan for an exhibition. I peeked at it through the doorway. Although it wasn't large, it radiated brilliance even from afar.
In front of the Daeungjeon and Jijangjeon Halls, pagodas stand in a row. If you follow the stairs up, you'll find the Jeongji Guksa Stupa and Stele, so be sure to check them out.
Next to the Daeungjeon Hall, up the stairs, are the Misojeon Hall, Chilseonggak Shrine, and Sanryeonggak Shrine. The tiny dolls lined up along the path were incredibly cute.
Here's the ginkgo tree as seen from the Chilseonggak Shrine. I wanted to come back when it was in its full autumn colors. I need to check the timing carefully so I can revisit when it's beautifully yellow.
Yongmunsa Temple in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi-do, is also famous for its temple stay program. Its location in the mountains creates a peaceful atmosphere, and the sound of the stream is truly healing.
On the way down, I noticed a waterfall created by the rain from the previous day, which I had never seen before. It was magnificent to see in person, but I couldn't capture its grandeur in a photograph.
On the way down, I saw quite a few people enjoying a date in Gyeonggi-do with their dogs. Highly recommended for those who love to walk!
Yongmunsa Temple
Address: 782 Yongmunsan-ro, Yongmun-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
Parking Fee: Compact car ₩1,000, Passenger car ₩3,000
The well-paved roads make this Yangpyeong date course a beautiful showcase of Korea's mountain temples. While you need to wait a bit for the ginkgo trees to turn yellow, it's a great place for a walk even now.
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