
Girimsa Temple
A serene Buddhist temple in Gyeongju, known for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and stunning pink muhly fields in autumn.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Stunning pink muhly blooms

Girimsa Temple
Best Time
Stunning pink muhly blooms

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Buddhist temple in Gyeongju, known for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and stunning pink muhly fields in autumn.
"A hidden gem offering profound peace and natural beauty, perfect for spiritual seekers and nature lovers."

🎯 Embrace the Temple Stay
Experience deep peace with a temple stay, including vegetarian meals and early morning ceremonies.
🌸 Autumn Pink Paradise
Visit in October for the breathtaking pink muhly grass fields, a photographer's dream.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pink Muhly Fields
Temple Grounds
Vibrant pink muhly grass creates a magical, ethereal landscape, especially stunning in autumn.

Peaceful Temple Architecture
Main Temple Complex
Discover beautifully preserved temple buildings and numerous Buddha statues, offering a glimpse into Korean Buddhism.

Serene Waterfall Walk
Short trail from temple
A relatively easy 40-minute round trip walk leads to a tranquil waterfall, a perfect spot for quiet contemplation.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Best Time for Pink Hues
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Embrace the Temple Stay
Experience deep peace with a temple stay, including vegetarian meals and early morning ceremonies.
🌸 Autumn Pink Paradise
Visit in October for the breathtaking pink muhly grass fields, a photographer's dream.
🚶♀️ Waterfall Trail
Don't miss the easy 40-minute round trip walk to a peaceful waterfall.
🧘♀️ Seek Spiritual Calm
This temple is a sanctuary for locals seeking peace away from city life.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Embrace the Temple Stay
Experience deep peace with a temple stay, including vegetarian meals and early morning ceremonies.
🌸 Autumn Pink Paradise
Visit in October for the breathtaking pink muhly grass fields, a photographer's dream.
🚶♀️ Waterfall Trail
Don't miss the easy 40-minute round trip walk to a peaceful waterfall.
🧘♀️ Seek Spiritual Calm
This temple is a sanctuary for locals seeking peace away from city life.
🚗 Combine with Bulguksa
Girimsa is conveniently located near Bulguksa, making it easy to visit both.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Girimsa Temple is widely praised as a peaceful sanctuary, offering a tranquil escape with beautiful architecture and natural surroundings. Visitors particularly enjoy the serene atmosphere, the easy walk to the waterfall, and the unique experience of a temple stay. Some find the vegetarian food surprisingly delicious, while others appreciate the quietude it offers from busy city life.
"Such a peaceful place. Recommend taking the walk out to the waterfall. Relatively easy walk (40-minute round trip)"
Joel Aukes
"A hidden gem. Some very nice temple buildings and several good collections of Buddhas. Definitely recommend visiting this temple and Golgulsa if you're already driving to Bulguksa."
Doug Huffer
"Lovely little temple, which many koreans use to get away from the hectic city lifestyle. Interesting ceremonies, and sleeping on the floor made a 05:45 rise a breeze.
The food was vegetarian, and the mushroom soup was delicious. Pumpkin porridge for breakfast. (I'm a carnivore)"
Alex VI
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Girimsa Temple by taking a local bus from Gyeongju city center. Taxis are also readily available and offer a more direct route. Many visitors combine a trip to Girimsa with other Gyeongju attractions like Bulguksa Temple, as they are relatively close.
Yes, local buses frequently run from Gyeongju to the vicinity of Girimsa Temple. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.
While possible, a day trip from Seoul to Gyeongju (where Girimsa is located) is quite long. It's recommended to stay at least one night in Gyeongju to fully enjoy its historical sites and the temple's tranquility.
Renting a car or using taxis can be convenient for exploring multiple sites in Gyeongju, including Girimsa Temple. Local buses are also an option for budget-conscious travelers.
Girimsa Temple is located a short drive from Bulguksa Temple, making it easy to visit both on the same day.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no entrance fee to visit the main grounds of Girimsa Temple, aligning with its serene and accessible nature.
Girimsa Temple is typically open from early morning until late afternoon. It's advisable to check for any specific seasonal hours or event closures.
No advance booking is usually required for general entry to Girimsa Temple, as it's a place of worship and contemplation rather than a ticketed attraction.
Girimsa Temple may host various Buddhist ceremonies and events, especially during significant dates. Visitors can inquire locally or check their official channels for schedules.
Yes, Girimsa Temple offers temple stay programs, providing an immersive experience into monastic life, including vegetarian meals and meditation.
📸 📸 Photography
The pink muhly grass fields in autumn are exceptionally photogenic. The main temple buildings, Buddha statues, and the surrounding natural landscape also offer beautiful photo opportunities.
Photography is generally permitted in the outdoor areas of Girimsa Temple. However, always be respectful and refrain from taking photos inside prayer halls or during ceremonies.
Early morning or late afternoon, especially around sunset, offers the best light for photography, creating a warm and serene atmosphere.
While not strictly enforced, it's good practice to be mindful of your surroundings and avoid intrusive photography, especially when monks or visitors are meditating or praying.
A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm, is great for capturing both landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the temple architecture and expansive grounds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
If you participate in a temple stay, you'll experience delicious vegetarian meals, often including dishes like mushroom soup and pumpkin porridge.
While Girimsa Temple itself is a peaceful retreat, there are local eateries and restaurants in the nearby Gyeongju area, offering a variety of Korean cuisine.
Yes, the food served as part of the temple stay program is entirely vegetarian, catering to the monastic diet.
Breakfast at Girimsa Temple often consists of simple, nourishing vegetarian fare, such as pumpkin porridge.
Dining options are primarily available for those participating in the temple stay program. For day visitors, it's best to explore eateries outside the immediate temple grounds.
🎫 🌿 Nature & Scenery
Girimsa Temple is nestled in a beautiful natural setting, with walking trails leading to a serene waterfall and surrounding bamboo groves and plains.
Autumn (October) is particularly spectacular due to the blooming pink muhly grass. However, the temple's natural surroundings are beautiful year-round.
Yes, the walk to the waterfall is a pleasant short hike. The temple is also situated in a mountainous area, offering potential for longer treks for the more adventurous.
Visitors can expect to see beautiful flowers, bamboo trees, and the famous pink muhly grass, especially during the autumn season.
Absolutely. The temple is surrounded by nature, offering a peaceful environment with scenic walks and beautiful flora.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a temple stay if your family is looking for a unique cultural immersion. The shared meals and simple routines can be a valuable learning experience. However, ensure your children are comfortable with quiet environments and early mornings if you opt for a temple stay.
🧘♀️ Spiritual Seekers & Solo Travelers
The temple stay program is particularly suited for solo travelers looking for an immersive experience and a chance to connect with like-minded individuals. The vegetarian meals and structured daily activities offer a comforting routine and a deep dive into Buddhist practices.
📸 Photographers & Nature Enthusiasts
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the temple's integration with its natural surroundings. The walk to the waterfall and the surrounding bamboo forests provide ample opportunities for scenic shots and peaceful exploration. Remember to be respectful of the sacred space while capturing its beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiritual Heart: Temple Stays at Girimsa
Reviews highlight the delicious vegetarian cuisine served during temple stays, with dishes like mushroom soup and pumpkin porridge being particularly memorable. The early morning rise for ceremonies is often met with a sense of calm and accomplishment, making the experience profoundly rewarding.
For those seeking a deeper connection with the temple's spiritual essence, a temple stay is highly recommended. It's a chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with oneself amidst the serene natural beauty and ancient traditions of Girimsa.
Autumn's Embrace: The Pink Muhly Phenomenon
Social media content frequently showcases the stunning beauty of these fields, with creators capturing the dreamy atmosphere. It's a prime example of how natural beauty can enhance the spiritual ambiance of a place, making it a must-visit during this specific season.
If you're planning a visit and are captivated by this natural wonder, ensure your trip aligns with the peak blooming period of the pink muhly grass. It's an unforgettable sight that adds a unique charm to Girimsa Temple's already serene environment.
Beyond the Temple: Exploring Girimsa's Natural Surroundings
The temple complex itself is surrounded by lush greenery, including bamboo groves and open plains, creating a sense of sanctuary. Visitors often describe the feeling of peace and absorption by the natural surroundings, making it an ideal spot for quiet contemplation and a deep breath of fresh air.
For those who enjoy gentle exploration, the natural setting around Girimsa provides a perfect complement to the spiritual experience of the temple. It's a place where the beauty of human creation and the serenity of nature harmoniously coexist.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit