The central wooden pillar, the 'simju,' is a single massive piece of pine timber that spans all three stories of the pagoda.
The pagoda design was inspired by the Mireuksa Temple Pagoda found in Iksan.
The site includes a 'Beop-eun-jeon' hall that houses a golden Vairocana Buddha statue.
The surrounding 'Wildflower Garden' contains native Korean plant species curated specifically to bloom in different seasonal cycles.
The construction was led by master carpenter Shin Young-hoon to ensure historical accuracy in joinery techniques.
Unlike many older temples, Bobapsa was established as a modern project to preserve and demonstrate traditional Korean wooden construction methods.
The temple grounds contain a traditional Korean-style rock garden intended to facilitate meditative walks.
Bobapsa is distinctive for its three-story wooden pagoda, which was constructed in 1996 using traditional Korean architectural techniques without the use of nails. The temple is situated in the valley of Yeon-gok-san mountain in Jincheon. The three-story structure represents the past, present, and future, with the first floor serving as a main hall, the second as a library, and the third housing sacred relics. Despite its recent construction, the temple was designed to reflect the aesthetic standards of the Goryeo Dynasty. The site features a meticulously maintained botanical landscape including a wildflower garden and stone paths. A stone pagoda of the Unified Silla period, reconstructed from fragments found in the area, stands on the temple grounds. The temple grounds are intentionally designed to integrate with the surrounding forest topography.
The path leading directly up to the entrance of the three-story wooden pagoda for a symmetrical perspective.
Wear comfortable, flat walking shoes to navigate the stone pathways and gentle slopes within the temple grounds.
Carry a small water bottle, as the temple is located in a forested area with limited commercial facilities on-site.
Visit the second floor of the wooden pagoda to observe the intricate timber joinery details and interior wood craftsmanship.
Attempting to climb the exterior of the wooden pagoda or walking off the designated stone paths into the flower beds.
Maintain a quiet tone to respect those in prayer, remove hats when entering wooden halls, and refrain from touching the wooden pillars or artifacts.
