Hike the Millennium Forest Trail in Pyeongchang and marvel at the stunning Octagonal Nine-Story Stone Pagoda at Woljeongsa Temple’s Third Gate!

Reported by Yang Xiaorou / Interviewed and photographed in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province, South Korea

Nestled within Mount Odaesan National Park in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province, South Korea, lies Woljeongsa Temple — an ancient temple with a history of nearly 1,400 years. Established during the reign of Queen Seondeok of Silla, this historic site is a key center of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Aside from enshrining the genuine relics of Sakyamuni Buddha, it is also said to be the permanent residence of the Bodhisattva Manjushri, making it one of the country’s foremost Buddhist sacred sites.

▲ The fir forest path leading to Woljeongsa Temple.

Built in 643, Woljeongsa Temple has survived numerous fires and damage from the Korean War over its millennia-long history, yet it still preserves crucial Korean historical scriptures and cultural artifacts. The journey to the temple leads through three gates, connected by a one-kilometer-long pathway lined with evergreen thousand-year-old fir trees. This serene stretch links the Ilju Gate at the entrance, the Cheonwang Gate midway, and the Geumgang Gate right in front of the temple. It serves not only as a popular walking trail for visitors and locals alike but also as a tranquil spot for meditation.

▲ First Gate: Ilju Gate.

▲ Second Gate: Cheonwang Gate.

▲ Third Gate: Geumgang Gate.

Woljeongsa Temple offers mountain templestay programs and monastic school experiences. Before entering the temple grounds, visitors must walk through the millennium fir forest — a journey that encourages slowing down and centering the mind. Along the path, you’ll find the Shaving Memorial Tower and various art installations. One notable highlight is a giant tree that suddenly fell in 2006. Though the tree has reached the end of its natural life, there’s a local belief that touching its trunk brings good luck.

▲ The Shaving Memorial Tower marks a farewell to secular life.

▲ The tree that fell in 2006 — it’s said that touching its trunk can bring good fortune.

Upon entering the temple, you’ll first encounter the Sacred Treasure Museum, a Buddhist-specialized museum that preserves and displays artifacts from Woljeongsa and over 60 temples in southern Gangwon Province. Among them is a stone statue of a bodhisattva seated in front of the Octagonal Nine-Story Stone Pagoda. To protect the historical relics, the outdoor display is a replica.

▲ The Sacred Treasure Museum.

▲ The Main Hall of Woljeongsa Temple — Jikgangjeon.

The main hall of Woljeongsa Temple, Jikgangjeon, houses a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. In front of the hall stands an octagonal nine-story stone pagoda dating back to the Goryeo Dynasty. Standing 15.2 meters tall, it is the tallest octagonal pagoda in South Korea. Its design is influenced by the architecture of China’s Song Dynasty, while its details reflect the characteristics of Goryeo-era construction. The pagoda embodies both the solemnity of Buddhist temples and the beauty of symmetrical architecture, and stands as a prime example of the fusion between religion and art. Designated as South Korea’s National Treasure No. 48, it is an essential historical site not to be missed when visiting Woljeongsa.

▲ South Korea’s tallest octagonal stone pagoda — Woljeongsa’s Octagonal Nine-Story Stone Pagoda.

Woljeongsa Temple
Address: 374-8, Odaesan-ro, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea (오대산로 374-8, 진부면, 평창군, 강원도, 대한민국)
Opening Hours: 2 hours before sunrise to sunset
Admission: Adults 3,000 KRW; Teens, students, military/police 1,500 KRW; Children 500 KRW
Experiences: Templestay, monastic life experience