Baegyangsa Temple

Baegyangsa lies on the southern side of the Naejangsan massif, below the pale rock face of Baegamsan that gives it its name, and the walk in is the reason it is famous: an avenue of old maples and Korean sweetgum along a stream, about two kilometres from the gate, which in the last week of October turns a red that is reproduced on calendars nationally. Under the cliffs at the end is a compact compound, founded in the Baekje period and rebuilt many times, with the Daeungjeon of 1917, a bell pavilion and a small pond. The temple is also known for its cooking: its late abbess Jeong Kwan brought Korean temple cuisine to international attention, and the kitchen tradition here is taken seriously. Autumn is the peak by a wide margin; in other seasons the valley is quiet and the cliffs, which are the constant feature, are easier to look at.

What you actually see

• The maple avenue - two kilometres of colour from the gate.
• The white cliffs - the rock face above the compound.
• The compound and pond - halls under the crag.
• The temple kitchen tradition - the cuisine the place is known for.

When to go

Late October to early November for the colour, which is spectacular and extremely crowded - expect traffic control and shuttle queues. April to June is quiet and pleasant.

Honest expectations

Ticketed as part of the national park. In peak autumn the avenue is shoulder to shoulder and parking is a problem; outside it, the temple alone is modest.

Nearby

Naejangsa is over the ridge on the northern side; Gwangju is about 40 km south.