Temples

남미륵사

4.1 · 791 reviews
A serene and spacious garden temple
남미륵사, 24-13 Pungdong 1-gil, Gundong-myeon, Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea
Interesting facts
1

The temple houses one of the largest golden Buddha statues in Asia, standing at 36 meters tall.

2

The complex includes over 500 individual Buddha statues placed throughout the gardens.

3

The temple grounds are planted with approximately 10 million azaleas, creating a significant floral event during the spring season.

4

A specialized pond within the temple houses rare species of giant lotus flowers.

5

The temple was established in 1980 as a project to promote world peace through the creation of a massive-scale Buddha figure.

Overview

Nam-Mireuksa is a Buddhist temple in Gangjin, South Korea, best known for its massive 36-meter high golden seated Buddha statue. Founded by Monk Beop-gwang in 1980, the temple grounds span approximately 30,000 square meters. The site features millions of azalea bushes and hundreds of royal azaleas that bloom extensively in spring. Visitors can walk along a 500-meter long path lined with golden-painted Buddha statues. The temple architecture follows traditional Korean Buddhist styles, incorporating stone pagodas and multiple prayer halls. It is situated on the slopes of Mt. Deok-un, providing a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.

Photo spot

The elevated viewing area directly in front of the 36-meter tall golden Buddha statue.

Insider tips

Wear comfortable walking shoes as the temple grounds are expansive and include some sloping terrain.

Bring a wide-angle lens for photography to capture the scale of the main golden Buddha against the landscape.

Check local flowering reports before visiting if you wish to see the peak azalea bloom in spring.

What to avoid

Avoid visiting during rainy days, as the garden paths can become muddy and the floral displays are less accessible.

Etiquette

Maintain a quiet demeanor within temple buildings, remove hats before entering, and dress modestly covering shoulders and knees.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Mid-April is the peak season for the famous azalea festival, which offers the most vibrant landscape.
Address
남미륵사, 24-13 Pungdong 1-gil, Gundong-myeon, Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea
34.653, 126.856
Get directions
Details
Key Feature36-meter tall Golden Seated Buddha
Floral Highlights10 million azalea bushes

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Mid-April is the peak season for the famous azalea festival, which offers the most vibrant landscape..

The elevated viewing area directly in front of the 36-meter tall golden Buddha statue.

Close by you'll find 강진 영랑생가, Dasan Chodang, 대한불교조계종 백련사(강진).

South Korea

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