Daejeonsa Temple

Daejeonsa sits at the very start of the trails into Juwangsan National Park. From its courtyard you see the huge rock pinnacles of Giam rising behind the temple roofs, one of the most familiar views of Juwangsan. It is easy to treat it as a quick stop before a hike, but Bogwangjeon Hall, a Treasure that preserves mid-Joseon timber architecture remarkably well, is worth some time of its own.

Named after the son of King Ju

Two stories explain the temple's origin. One says the monk Uisang founded it in 672, under King Munmu of Silla; the other that Daejeon Dogun, son of the legendary King Ju who is said to have hidden in these mountains, built it in 919, the second year of Goryeo's King Taejo. The temple's name is said to come from Daejeon Dogun. Tradition also holds that the monk Samyeong trained warrior monks here during the Japanese invasions of the 1590s, which is why it is called a temple that defended the nation.

The temple burned during those invasions and was rebuilt in 1672. The date was confirmed in 1976, when a document recording the raising of the ridge beam was found during repairs to Bogwangjeon.

The mountain's own name comes from a legend too. Ju Wang, a rebel who fled from China, is said to have hidden here until he was killed by the Silla general Ma, and caves and rocks all over the mountain are named after the story. Daejeonsa is the gateway into that legend, and up to one million people a year are estimated to pass through its courtyard on their way into the park.

What to see

• Bogwangjeon Hall (Treasure): a small hall of three bays by three, with a gabled roof and brackets placed between the columns as well as on top of them. Because its construction date is certain, and its interior paintwork and murals remain close to the original, it was designated a Treasure in 2008.
• Stone Buddha triad in Bogwangjeon: documents found with it suggest it was made around 1685.
• Ksitigarbha and the Ten Kings in Myeongbujeon: a set of 18 statues carved by the sculptor-monk Suyeon in 1703, the earliest of his works to survive.
• Painting of the guardian deities: a Buddhist painting on five joined panels of silk, thought to be by Singyeom, a painter-monk active in Gyeongsang province in the early 19th century. It became a provincial tangible heritage in 2019.
• Giam: the rock pinnacles behind the temple. Legend says General Ma, who was hunting King Ju, planted his flag on top, so the name is written with the character for "flag".

Tripto tips

• Fees: the temple used to charge a heritage admission fee, but entry has been free since 4 May 2023. Juwangsan National Park itself is also free.
• Time needed: 30–40 minutes for the temple. Following the valley trail to Yongchu and Yongyeon falls and back takes about 3 hours.
• Photos: from the courtyard in front of Bogwangjeon you can frame the hall roof and Giam together. Early morning, before the crowds, is the easiest time to shoot.
• Best time: early May, when royal azaleas bloom along the valley, and autumn foliage season are the busiest times. At weekends, arrive early to find parking.
• Getting there: park at the Sangui car park of Juwangsan National Park and walk towards the trailhead; the temple is right there.
• Etiquette: do not take photos inside the halls, and keep quiet during services.