Mihwangsa Temple美黃寺

To the west of Dalmasan (489m), known as the Geumgangsan of the southern region, Mihwangsa Temple, the southernmost mainland temple on the Korean Peninsula, was founded in the 8th year of King Gyeongdeok of Silla (749 CE). It once prospered, boasting 12 hermitages, but gradually declined after monks who had set out to rebuild it a century ago were shipwrecked at sea. This place, which had been empty for a long time, began to breathe again when monks Jiun, Hyeon'gong, and Geumgang came in 1989. After over 10 years of reconstruction efforts, its halls, including Myeongbujeon, Daeungbojeon (a Treasure), and Eungjindang (a Treasure), have been properly restored, renewing its appearance as one of the most beautiful temples in Korea. Mihwangsa Temple always offers a fantastic landscape, with the sunset over the West Sea harmonizing with the bizarre rock formations of Dalmasan. Notably, the foundation stones of Daeungbojeon are carved with marine creatures like turtles and crabs, rarely seen elsewhere, which adds to its intrigue. In the stupa field, reached by a 10-minute walk along a forest path, one can find simply carved child monks and goblin faces. The mountain peak is about an hour's walk away, and the view of the Dadohae Archipelago from there is exceptionally beautiful. ◎ Travel Information to Discover the Charms of Hallyu - Drama 'Mihwangsa Temple on Dalmasan in Haenam,' the temple Park Ha-kyung visited for a temple stay, is located halfway up Dalmasan, a place completely detached from the city. Here, one can often see travelers on temple stays, seeking to empty their minds and thoughts. Listening to the sound of wind chimes swaying in the breeze, the faint scent of incense, and the chanting of sutras by monks, you will feel all your worries and anxieties disappear.