Yongmunsa Temple, Yangpyeong: Complete Guide to Korea's 1,100-Year-Old Ginkgo Tree (2026 Update)

 Just over an hour from Seoul, reachable by a single train ride, stands a tree that has survived for a thousand years. This is the story of Yongmunsa Temple (龍門寺) at the foot of Mt. Yongmunsan in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province — and the millennium-old ginkgo tree that guards its courtyard. This single guide covers everything you need: the temple's history and highlights, what to see in each season, hiking routes, and all the practical details on admission, parking, and how to get there.

Yongmunsa at a Glance

Yongmunsa is a thousand-year-old temple nestled on the southeastern slope of Mt. Yongmunsan (1,157m, historically called Mt. Mijisan) in Yongmun-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun. It is a branch temple of Bongseonsa, the head temple of the 25th District of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Tradition holds that it was founded in 913 (the 2nd year of King Sindeok of Silla) by Great Master Daegyeong. Other accounts credit the monk Wonhyo with its founding, or say that King Gyeongsun, Silla's last king, established it himself — a reminder of just how deep and ancient the temple's roots run.

Here are the essentials up front:

• Location: 782 Yongmunsan-ro, Yongmun-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi Province
• Order: Branch of Bongseonsa, Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism
• Founded: 913 CE, attributed to Great Master Daegyeong
• Highlights: 1,100-year-old ginkgo (Natural Monument No. 30); the Stupa and Stele of State Preceptor Jeongji (National Treasure)
• Admission: Free (entrance fee abolished May 4, 2023)
• Parking: ₩1,000 (compact) / ₩3,000 (standard) / ₩5,000 (large vehicles & buses), paid on exit
• Hours: Open year-round
• Walk: About a 30-minute easy walk from the parking lot to the temple

The Star: A 1,100-Year-Old Ginkgo Tree

The single biggest reason people visit Yongmunsa is this ginkgo. Towering in front of the main hall, it is estimated to be around 1,100 years old, roughly 42 meters tall, with a root circumference of about 15.2 meters. It is considered the oldest and tallest living ginkgo tree in Korea. A distinctive knob-like growth bulges near the base of the trunk, which splits into three branches at about 12 meters above the ground. It was designated Natural Monument No. 30 on December 7, 1962, and is protected by the state.

Standing beneath it is a completely different experience from any photo. A tree taller than a four-story building spreads its branches overhead — so heavy that steel supports prop up the limbs in several places, and a tall lightning rod has been installed nearby to shield it from storms.

Legends of the Tree

A tree that has endured a thousand years naturally collects its share of stories.

• The Maui Prince legend: After the fall of Silla, Crown Prince Maui — son of King Gyeongsun — is said to have stopped here on his way to Mt. Geumgangsan and planted the walking staff he carried, which grew into this tree.
• The Uisang legend: Another version says the great monk Uisang thrust his staff into the ground here, and it took root and grew into the giant tree.
• The bleeding tree: It is told that when someone once set a saw to the trunk to fell it, blood gushed from the cut, the clear sky darkened, and thunder rolled — so the cutting was stopped.
• The tree that would not burn: During the Righteous Army uprising of 1907, Japanese troops set fire to Yongmunsa, destroying the temple — yet this ginkgo alone was spared. It is said to have since served as a "Guardian Tree" (천왕목) in place of the burned-down Gate of the Four Heavenly Kings.
• The tree that warned of calamity: Legend says it would make a sound to warn of great events about to befall the nation.

There is even a story that King Sejong of Joseon bestowed an official court rank (equivalent to senior third grade) upon the tree. These are folk tales rather than documented historical facts — but they testify to just how long this tree has lived under the care and affection of the people around it.

A Temple That Burned and Rose Again

The history of Yongmunsa is, in many ways, a history of rebuilding. Over more than a thousand years, it has suffered two devastating fires.

The first came in 1907, during the Righteous Army resistance. Because Yongmunsa was used as a base by the resistance fighters, Japanese troops burned the temple, destroying most of its buildings. The monk Chwiun rebuilt the main quarters afterward, and in 1938 the abbot Hong Tae-uk restored the main hall and several shrines.

The second blow came during the Korean War. Amid the fierce Battle of Yongmunsan, the temple burned once more, and was rebuilt in 1958. Through the 1980s and 1990s, additional halls — including the Jijang Hall, the bell pavilion, and the One-Pillar Gate — were restored or newly built. The structures you see today are therefore mostly modern reconstructions, but the old foundation stones scattered across the grounds and the thousand-year ginkgo quietly bear witness to the centuries.

Exploring the Grounds

Passing through the One-Pillar Gate and walking slowly uphill, you arrive at a tidy cluster of halls. Today, Yongmunsa includes the Main Hall (Daeungjeon), Jijang Hall, Gwaneum Hall, Samseonggak (Three Sages Shrine), bell pavilion, monks' quarters, and the One-Pillar Gate. Rather than a grand, ornate complex, it feels like a small, serene mountain temple cradled by the slopes — a place to wander unhurriedly and take in the harmony between the buildings and the surrounding peaks.

A National Treasure: The Stupa and Stele of State Preceptor Jeongji

Be sure to seek out one cultural treasure on the grounds: the Stupa and Stele of State Preceptor Jeongji, designated a National Treasure in 1971. The stupa enshrines the relics of an eminent monk, while the stele records his life and accomplishments. With its refined stone craftsmanship, this monument shows that Yongmunsa is more than just "the temple with the famous tree" — it holds genuine significance in the history of Korean Buddhism. Five additional memorial stupas are gathered to the east of the mountain-spirit shrine.

A Different Face Each Season

Yongmunsa's charm shifts with the seasons.

• Autumn (late October–early November): The undisputed peak. When the thousand-year ginkgo turns golden, the entire temple seems to glow, set against the crimson maples on the surrounding slopes. This is the busiest time of year, so aim for a weekday morning.
• Spring: Fresh light-green leaves emerge, and the area around the tourism complex hosts Yangpyeong's signature Yongmunsan Wild Herb Festival.
• Summer: Deep forest shade and cool valley streams offer relief from the heat — ideal for a light trek and a streamside stroll.
• Winter: A quiet, snow-draped landscape perfect for peaceful reflection with few crowds.

Hiking Mt. Yongmunsan

Yongmunsa is wonderful on its own, but it also serves as the trailhead for Mt. Yongmunsan (1,157m). The summit was off-limits as a military zone for many years before opening to the public in 2007.

• Most popular route (family-friendly): Tourism complex parking lot → Yongmunsa → Madangbawi (Flat Rock) → ridge trail → summit. Relatively gentle and great for families, it passes the thousand-year ginkgo and follows a clear valley path about 1 km up to Madangbawi.
• Via Sangwonsa route: Yongmunsa → Sangwonsa → Janggunbong → summit, combining ridgeline views with cultural sites.

Baegunbong, on the southern ridge, is a sharp triangular peak that leaves a lasting impression. Note that parts of Mt. Yongmunsan are steep and rugged, so if you plan to reach the summit, come with adequate fitness, time, and proper hiking gear. If you only want a relaxed visit, the round-trip walk from the parking lot to the temple is rewarding on its own.

Facilities at the Tourism Complex

The path from the parking lot to the temple runs right through the Yongmunsan Tourism Complex. Designated a national tourism site back in 1982, it is well equipped with restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops, and rest areas. A suspension bridge spanning the valley is fun to cross with children, and inspirational sayings posted along the path make the walk pleasant regardless of your faith. Many restaurants serve dishes made from Yangpyeong's local wild mountain herbs — perfect for a meal before or after your walk.

Practical Information

• Address: 782 Yongmunsan-ro, Yongmun-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi Province
• Admission: Free (entrance fee abolished May 4, 2023)
• Parking: ₩1,000 (compact) / ₩3,000 (standard) / ₩5,000 (large vehicles & buses) — paid on exit
• Hours: Open year-round (daytime visits recommended for the temple halls)
• Time needed: ~30 min easy walk from parking to temple; 30 min–1 hr to tour the grounds
• Etiquette: This is an active place of practice — avoid revealing clothing and loud noise, and note that smoking and drinking are prohibited within the grounds.

※ Parking fees and policies may change. Please double-check with Yangpyeong County or the tourism complex before your visit.

Getting There

Public Transit (recommended) About 1 hour 30 minutes from Seoul, with good public-transit access.

1. Take the Gyeongui–Jungang Line (metro) or a Mugunghwa-ho train to Yongmun Station.
2. From the stop in front of Exit 1, or the Yongmun Bus Terminal about a 5-minute walk away (230 m), board the local (nongeochon) bus bound for Yongmunsa. It runs roughly once an hour, departing the terminal and stopping at Yongmun Station before heading to the complex.
3. Get off at the last stop and walk past the complex entrance to the temple.

Intercity buses to Yangpyeong/Yongmun also depart frequently from Seoul's Dong Seoul Bus Terminal.

By Car Enter "Yongmunsa" or "Yongmunsan Tourism Complex" into your navigation. There is a large parking lot at the complex entrance, with fees paid on exit. Weekends during peak autumn foliage get extremely crowded, so arriving early in the morning is strongly recommended.

Nearby Attractions

If you're touring Yangpyeong, several spots pair well with Yongmunsa:

• Dumulmeori: Where the North and South Han Rivers meet — beautiful for misty river views and an old zelkova tree.
• Semiwon: A water garden famous for its lotus flowers.
• Sonagi Village (Hwang Sun-won Literary Village): A literary park themed around the classic short story "The Shower."
• Jungmisan Observatory: A prime spot for stargazing.
• Yangpyeong Rail Bike: A fun ride along old railway tracks.

Visitor Tips

• During peak foliage (late October–early November), visit on a weekday and arrive early to avoid the crowds.
• The 30-minute walk to the temple is gentle, but comfortable shoes are recommended.
• If you plan to summit, set off right after sunrise to allow plenty of time.
• Observe temple etiquette, and to protect the thousand-year ginkgo, do not touch the trunk or step beyond the barriers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is there an admission fee for Yongmunsa? A. No. Since May 4, 2023, the tourism complex entrance fee has been abolished, so entry is free. Parking, however, is charged separately.

Q. When is the ginkgo tree at its best? A. Usually late October to early November, when it turns golden. The exact timing varies slightly with the year's weather.

Q. Can I get there by public transport? A. Yes. Take the Gyeongui–Jungang Line to Yongmun Station and transfer to the local bus bound for Yongmunsa.

Q. How long is the walk from the parking lot to the temple? A. About 30 minutes along a gentle path.

Q. Can beginners hike to the summit? A. The Yongmunsa–Madangbawi–ridge route is relatively gentle, but the upper section near the summit is rugged and requires good fitness and time. For a casual visit, the temple alone is well worth it.

Final Thoughts

A single tree that has stood in the same spot for a thousand years, witnessing the rise and fall of dynasties and surviving two fires. Yongmunsa is the perfect place to let time slow down beneath that tree. It's not far from Seoul — whether in the golden glow of autumn or the fresh green of spring, it makes a wonderful weekend escape worth experiencing at least once.

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