Discovering South Korea's Hidden Gem：Beomeosa and Cheongnyeonam Temples

As I stepped off the bus and onto the winding roads of Geumjeongsan Mountain, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. My destination was the Beomeosa Temple, one of the three major temples in the Lingnan region of South Korea. The temple's name, which translates to "Nirvana Fish Temple," hinted at the serene and peaceful atmosphere that awaited me.

As I made my way up the mountain, the air grew cooler and the sounds of the city gave way to the rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds. The Beomeosa Temple is nestled in a valley, surrounded by towering trees and winding stone paths. The temple complex is home to 10 nunneries and over 200 smaller temples, making it a truly unique and immersive experience.

Beomeosa Temple (범어사)

One of the standout features of the Beomeosa Temple is its stunning three-story stone pagoda. The pagoda is a masterpiece of late Silla stone carvings, with intricate details and a sense of grandeur that's hard to ignore. As I wandered through the temple grounds, I stumbled upon a beautiful ginkgo tree that's said to be an impressive 580 years old. The tree's gnarled branches and vibrant yellow leaves seemed to glow in the autumn sunlight.

Beomeosa Temple

Address:250 Beomeosa-ro, Geumjeong-gu, Busan, South Korea

Cheongnyeonam Temple (청련암)

Next, I made my way to the Cheongnyeonam Temple, one of the 10 temples on the mountain. The temple is home to stunning stone carvings of dragons, which seemed to come alive in the flickering sunlight. As I explored the temple grounds, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and awe at the intricate details and craftsmanship that went into creating these ancient structures.

As the day wore on, I decided to follow the stone wall paths down the mountain, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The autumn leaves were in full bloom, with a kaleidoscope of colors that seemed to dance in the wind. The maple leaves of the Beomeosa Temple were particularly stunning, with vibrant red and orange hues that seemed to glow in the sunlight.

As I made my way back down the mountain, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the experience. The Beomeosa and Cheongnyeonam temples are truly hidden gems, tucked away in the heart of Geumjeongsan Mountain.

Cheongnyeonam Temple

Address:250 Beomeosa-ro, Geumjeong-gu, Busan, South Korea

Tips and Insights

🌻The Beomeosa Temple is open from 9am to 6pm, and admission is free.
🌻The Cheongnyeonam Temple is open from 9am to 5pm, and admission is also free.
🌻The hike to the temples is moderately challenging, and comfortable shoes are recommended.
🌻Visitors are required to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the temple buildings.
🌻The temples are located in a remote area, and public transportation is limited.