Unjusa Temple

Unjusa Temple

Unjusa Temple, also known as Yunju Temple, is a Buddhist temple located in Hwasun County, Gwangju Metropolitan City, South Korea. It was built by the monk Doseon in the late Silla period. It is a mysterious temple that houses Buddha statues and stone pagodas unlike those found in other temples. Legend has it that there were once one thousand Buddha statues and one thousand pagodas here, but now only about 100 Buddha statues and 20 pagodas remain.

As you enter Unjusa Temple, the first thing you see is a nine-story stone pagoda (Korean National Treasure No. 796). This pagoda isn’t as delicate as typical ones, but it gives off a simple and unadorned feel. A little further ahead of the nine-story pagoda, the path splits into two—left leads to Seven Star Rock, named for its resemblance to the Big Dipper. Walk a bit farther along this path, climb up a small hill, and you’ll come across two reclining Buddha statues lying with their heads down. These are the most exquisitely crafted Buddha statues in the entire temple. Further up stands the majestic Guardian Buddha (Stone Standing Buddha). Behind this statue lies a shaded tree-lined path. Passing through this path, you’ll find a seven-story stone pagoda and a five-story stone pagoda, each uniquely shaped. Behind these two pagodas is another stone pagoda shaped like a disc—its appearance is quite amusing.

Unjusa

Must-visit reason: One of the most unique temples in Korea

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Korea

Province/State where the attraction is located: Gwangju Metropolitan City

City where the attraction is located: Hwasun County