Wanju: Temple History and Nature in the Surrounding Area

The wider region around Wanju offers a variety of reasons to take a trip: temple history, former warehouse buildings, forest trails, an arboretum and a striking rocky landscape. The places you want to visit can also help guide your search for a holiday rental. Compare the location of your accommodation with the specific destinations you plan to visit.

Temples and Historic Sites

At Songgwangsa, two dates mark different stages in the temple’s history. According to a foundation stele erected in 1636, Songgwangsa was founded in 1622 by the monks Eungho Seungmyeong, Unjaeng, Deokrim, Deukjeong and Hongshin, in accordance with the teachings of National Preceptor Bojo. Songgwangsa’s Daeungjeon was built in 1857 and is designated and protected as Treasure No. 1243. The temple’s founding year and the hall’s construction year therefore refer to different points in history.

Hwaamsa, also in the area around Wanju, has a long history: the temple was founded in 694, the third year of King Hyoso’s reign in Silla, by National Preceptor Ilgyo. Uhwaru, a temple building, is designated a Treasure, while Geuknakjeon, a temple hall, is designated a National Treasure. This temple offers another example of both an early foundation and individual buildings receiving official recognition.

The Samnye Culture and Art Village tells a different story: its buildings were constructed in the 1920s so that grain could be shipped to Japan via Samnye Station. They served as warehouses for the agricultural cooperative until 2010. Wanju-gun acquired the buildings and transformed them into a cultural space as part of regional renewal. The site’s former use and its later transformation are distinct chapters in its history.

Wibongsanseong County Park was established at the site of Wibongsanseong Fortress in Soyang-myeon, Wanju-gun. The fortress was built in 1675 during the reign of King Sukjong and served as a refuge for storing a portrait of King Taejo, founder of the Joseon Dynasty, as well as the royal family’s genealogy. The site’s historical significance is closely tied to the fortress’s original purpose.

Visitors to the Samnye Culture and Art Village can use a tactile guide with Braille. It helps blind and visually impaired people, as well as older visitors, navigate the facilities and paths, and explains key points of interest. If you plan to rely on it, check in advance whether the guide will be available during your visit.

Hiking Trail, Arboretum and Rocky Landscape

The 6.3 km hiking trail connects Wangjae with Jangae and Jungsugol. Along the way, you can enjoy the forest scenery and forest bathing. The trail’s length is specified, but no walking time or particular route profile is given. It may appeal to travellers who want to focus on the scenery and the forest experience.

More than 400 plant species can be seen in the Daea Arboretum greenhouse, even in winter. They include bananas, oranges, pineapples, palms and cacti. The Garden of Scenic Views complements the plant collection with coniferous and deciduous trees, ground cover, a pergola, swings and sculptures. It is often used for nature education and recreation.

Daedunsan Provincial Park is characterised by the rocky peaks of Macheondae, Chilseongbong, Janggunbong and Ambong. Its rock formations include Samseonbawi and the Geumgangmun Gate; the Yongmungol Valley and lush vegetation also contribute to the scenery. The cable car and Geumgang Suspension Bridge are recreational facilities in the park. Check operating details before planning your visit, as they may change.

For a different perspective on the landscape, a paved lakeside road runs along Daea Reservoir to Dongsang Reservoir. It is considered a scenic driving route. This offers different ways to get around: the 6.3 km trail, with its forest scenery and forest bathing, or a drive alongside the reservoirs. Which experiences matter to you can shape your trip planning and choice of holiday rental.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Jeonju, Gochang, Iksan-si, Jinan, Muju, Jeongeup-si, Gunsan, Jangsu-gun.

Return to the main travel overview: Jeollabuk-Do.