Naksansa is located on Obong Mountain, one of three famous mountain ranges along with Geumkang Mountain and Seorak Mountain to the east of the Taebaek mountain range.

The name Naksansa originated from Potalaka Mountain, where it was believed that Avalokitesvara resided. Gwaneum is symbolized as the Bodhisattva of Great Compassion in Mahayana Buddhism. This location has breathtaking scenery with views of the East Sea and many national treasures. With over 1300 years of history, many Buddhists from all over the country come to visit this famous cultural heritage site. Naksansa has been one of the most attractive places not only for Buddhists but also for foreigners in Korea. There are many famous sites like the Seaward-Looking Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Statue and a Dharma Hall enshrined with the many forms that the Bodhisattva of Compassion takes. Most Dharma halls and pavilions at Naksansa burned during a catastrophic forest fire on April 5th, 2005. However, Naksansa has gradually been reconstructed with strong support from the locals and Buddhists.

▶The National Treasures and Cultural Heritages at Naksansa include:

1. The Main Dharma Hall (Wontongbojeon) This is the main Dharma Hall with a seated Bodhisattva of Compassion statue from the early Joseon Dynasty enshrined. The building was originally built in 859, rebuilt in 1953 and again in 2007 after being destroyed in a fire.

2. Seated Bodhisattva of Compassion Statue (Geonchil Gwaneumbosal) National Treasure No. 1362 The statue is enshrined in the main Dharma Hall at Naksansa. Due to the artistic technique of the crown, it is believed to have been made in the early Joseon Dynasty.

3. Seven Story Stone Pagoda (Chilcheung suktap) National Treasure No. 499 This pagoda, located in front of the main Dharma Hall, is designated as national treasure no. 499. Ven. Uisang built it as a three story pagoda but it was rebuilt when Naksansa was renovated in 1467 during the reign of King Sejo.

4. Red Clay Walls (Wonjang) Gangwondo Tangible Cultural Heritage No. 34 These are the square walls surrounding the main Dharma Hall (Wontongbojeon). It was first built when King Sejo, in the early Chosun dynasty, ordered more halls to be built at Naksansa. This wall has dual function of not only separating the holy space of the Main Dharma Hall, but it also shows Chosun dynasty architecture.

5. Dharma Hall (Botajeon) Inside this hall there are 7 main enshrined statues and over 1,500 smaller statues of the Bodhisattva of Compassion.

6. Sea Side Bodhisattva of Compassion Statue (Haesu Gwaneum) This is the most famous architectural landmark in Naksansa. The statue weighing over 700 tons was made from high-quality granite deposits from Iksan, Jeollabuk-do. The statue measures 16m in height, 3.3 circumference, and 6m in width at its widest part.

7. Sarira Stupa (Haesu Gwaneum Gongjoong Saritap) National Treasure No. 1723 This sea side Avalokitestvara sarira stupa has been designated as National Treasure No. 1723. Buddha’s jinsinsari (holy sarira of the Buddha) was found in 2006 when it was under restoration due to the catastrophic mountain fire in 2005. It is said that this stupa was originally built by the wish of Monk Seokgyeom in 1692.

8. Bronze Bell (Dongjong) Built by the instruction of King Yejong in the Joseon Dynasty as a dedication to his father King Sejo who had close ties with Naksansa in 1469. This bell was one of the historical monuments built before the 16th century during the Joseon dynasty and considered to be important historical material to study traditional bells from that time. Unfortunately, it was partially melted by the catastrophic forest fire in 2005. However, it was restored to its former splendor in October of 2006 and enshrined in the Bell Pavilion.

9. Double Rainbow Gate (Hongyemun) Gangwondo Tangible Cultural Heritage No. 33 It is said that this double rainbow shaped stone gate was built in 1467. At that time, there were 26 counties in Gangwondo. Each one of the stones was sourced from those counties by the instruction of King Sejo from the Joseon dynasty. The pavilion above the gate was built in October of 1963 but was damaged by the catastrophic forest fire in 2005. It was later restored in 2006.

10. Sea Side Pagoda (Uisangdae) Gangwondo Tangible Cultural Heritage No. 48 This is the place where the Ven. Uisang searched for a prospective place to build Naksansa, after returning from Tang, China. It’s also the place where he practiced seated meditation. This is one of the eight famous spots in the eastern region of Korea. As it has a landscape of singular beauty, located at a hillside fronting the majestic view of the sea, it has been a favorite place for poets in the olden days and still a must-see place when you visit Naksansa nowadays.

11. The Gate of the Four Heavenly Kings (Sacheonwangmun) This pavilion is a shrine for the four heavenly kings or guardians who protect the temple and Buddha’s teachings. This pavilion was not damaged in the Korean War in 1950 nor the catastrophic forest fire in 2005.

12. Red Lotus Hermitage (Hongryeonam) Gangwondo Cultural Heritage No. 36 According to the legend, the Bodhisattva of Compassion appeared to the Ven. Uisang before he established Naksansa. Ven. Uisang came from Kyungju, the capital of the Silla Dynasty, with the earnest wish to see the Bodhisattva of Compassion. While he was praying, he saw a blue bird enter a stone cave. He followed the bird and prayed for seven days and nights in front of the cave. The Bodhisattva of Compassion then appeared on top of a red lotus and told him to build a temple there. Ven. Uisang built a hermitage and named it the Red Lotus Hermitage.

Templestay Rules & Regulations

● Rooms for males and females are separate.
● Smoking and snacking are prohibited during templestay.
● Participants are not allowed to leave the temple's compound after check-in. 
● Parental guidance is required for minors.
● Please do not throw toilet paper in the toilet, use the trash can.
● Please keep your room tidy and throw your trash away.
● Please tie your hair up if you have long hair.
● Before checking out, all blankets and mats must be tidy in the same way when you entered the room.

Please be respectful and behave in harmony with temple culture.
▶ When entering a Dharma hall or when you see a monk, please half bow with your palms in front of your chest in respect. 
▶ Please keep silent and only speak when necessary as the temple is a place for practicing reflection.
▶ Please behave in harmony with temple culture by encompassing a mind of modesty, consideration, slowness and simplicity.  
▶ Please do not disturb others and take time to reflect on yourself.
▶ Please be punctual for meals, yebul, and other programs.
▶ Please do not use the central doors or stairs of the Dharma halls as it is reserved for monks only. You may enter through the side doors and side stairs.
▶ Please wear appropriate modest clothing during your time in the temple.
▶ We strictly prohibit drinking, smoking, external foods, snacking in the room, and watching videos or TV.
▶ After using temple materials, please put them back in their original location.
▶ Please tidy up the room for other participants.
▶ Please note that you can not leave the temple compound during templestay.
▶ Please turn your lights off and be ready for bed on time.
▶ We treat everyone as equal regardless of their nationality, religious or social status during the stay.

We reserve the right to remove participants from the templestay program who violate the rules mentioned above or interrupt the templestay program.