Sana-sa, Opened by Yeom in 923: Following the Waterways of Yongmunsan and the Traces of Taego Bou
Sana-sa, located on the foothills of Yongmunsan in Okcheon-myeon, Yangpyeong, is said to have been founded in 923 by the great monk Daegyeong Yeom and his disciple Yungcheon. Visitors can combine temple worship, a walk along the valley trail, and a reservation-based temple stay in one itinerary, but it is advisable to reconfirm vehicle access and parking conditions before departure during peak season.
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The History of Yongmunsan Sanasa, Founded by Yeo-eom in 923 and Taego Bowoo in 1367
Sanasa is a branch temple of Bongseonsa, the head temple of the 25th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. The Encyclopedia of Korean Culture describes it as a temple founded by the Goryeo-period monk Daegyeong together with disciples including Yungcheon. The Sanasa Templestay guide states that it was founded in 923 by Master Daegyeong Yeo-eom (862–930), a monk of the late Silla to early Goryeo period, together with his disciple Yungcheon.
Records state that in 1367, Taego Bowoo (1301–1382) practiced here and rebuilt the temple on a scale of approximately 140 kan. This founding and rebuilding history forms the background to Sanasa's present-day identity as a mountain temple on Yongmunsan. Rather than expecting to see the original layout of the approximately 140-kan temple complex, visitors should understand the current grounds as a temple space that has undergone later destruction and restoration.
- Founding tradition: 923, Master Daegyeong Yeo-eom and his disciple Yungcheon
- Rebuilding tradition: 1367, Taego Bowoo rebuilt the temple on a scale of approximately 140 kan
- Affiliation: A branch temple of Bongseonsa, the head temple of the 25th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism
The Two Names “Sana” and Okcheon: Rocana Buddha and Clear Water
The Sanasa guide explains the temple name “Sana” as an abbreviation of Rocana Buddha. Rocana Buddha is described as the Buddha corresponding to the Perfect Reward Body among the Buddhist Trikaya, and the guide states that “Sana” contains the meaning of “perfectly fulfilling all virtues,” derived from Sanskrit.
Sanasa also explains that “Okcheon,” the name of the township where the temple is located, refers to water flowing down from Yongmunsan that is as clear as a jewel. Therefore, rather than simply viewing the temple halls, visitors can better understand the connection between the place name and the site's location by taking in the waterways around the approach road together with the mountain landscape.
- Temple name Sanasa: Explained as originating from an abbreviation of Rocana Buddha
- Place name Okcheon: Explained in connection with the clear water flowing down from Yongmunsan
- Terrain: A mountain temple located beside a valley on the slopes of Yongmunsan
Sanasa-gil 329 and Goeup-ro 156: How to Distinguish the Addresses in Your Navigation App
The official Sanasa Templestay guide lists the temple address as 329 Sanasa-gil, Okcheon-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, and gives 010-5186-5182 as the inquiry phone number. Inquiry hours are listed as 09:00–17:00, so questions about Templestay reservations and participation requirements should preferably be made during this period.
The provided road-name address, 156 Goeup-ro, Okcheon-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, can be used as a reference point for access to the Sanasa area. However, to travel directly to the temple buildings, it is clearer to set “329 Sanasa-gil” as the destination. The Sanasa Valley public parking lot and the temple may be separate locations, so visitors planning both valley recreation and temple worship should check the parking location separately on a map.
- Temple address: 329 Sanasa-gil, Okcheon-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
- Provided access reference address: 156 Goeup-ro, Okcheon-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
- Templestay inquiries: 010-5186-5182, 09:00–17:00
A 10–15-Minute Taxi Ride from Yangpyeong Station, and Calculating the Walk from the Sanasa Entrance Bus Stop
The official Sanasa Templestay guide states that the temple is a 10–15-minute taxi ride from Yangpyeong Station on the Gyeongui–Jungang Line, with a fare of approximately 12,000 won. For first-time foreign visitors or travelers who want to minimize transfers, taking a taxi directly from Yangpyeong Station is the simplest option.
If you take the bus, you will need to walk from the Sanasa Entrance bus stop to the temple after getting off. A hiking information page describes the walk from the stop as approximately 10 minutes, while older hiking materials state that the Sanasa Entrance bus stop is reached after walking approximately 2 km downhill along the road from Sanasa. The actual distance can therefore vary depending on the departure and arrival stops and the precise drop-off location. Check the real-time route and stop before boarding, and if you have a lot of luggage, taking a taxi from Yangpyeong Station is preferable.
- Yangpyeong Station: Accessible via the Gyeongui–Jungang Line
- Yangpyeong Station → Sanasa: Approximately 10–15 minutes by taxi; fare listed as approximately 12,000 won
- Bus: A walk may be required after getting off at the Sanasa Entrance bus stop
Free Temple Visits and a 70,000-Won Experiential Templestay with a Seven-Day Advance Booking Deadline
No separate paid admission fee has been identified for visiting the Sanasa temple grounds, and the Gyeonggi-do travel guide introduces admission to the Sanasa Valley and temple area as “none.” However, conditions for temple services, events, and facility use may vary, so groups and visitors with special schedules should inquire in advance.
For an overnight experience, the official Templestay program “Journey of the Mind (Experiential)” is listed at 70,000 won for adults and 50,000 won for middle and high school students. The program includes Buddhist services, 108 bows, making prayer beads, meditation, and walking meditation along the valley path. Participants may share a room with other guests. Reservations must be made at least seven days before the start date, and according to the guide, cancellations three days before the start date receive a 100% refund.
- Admission to the temple and valley area: None
- Experiential Templestay: Adults 70,000 won; middle and high school students 50,000 won
- Booking deadline: Seven days before the program starts
- Program: Buddhist services, 108 bows, making prayer beads, meditation, and walking meditation along the valley path
Parking for Approximately 30 Cars at the Sanasa Valley Public Parking Lot and Summer Walking Access Variables
The Gyeonggi-do travel guide introduces the public parking lot at the entrance to the Sanasa Valley hiking trail as free of charge and states that it can accommodate approximately 30 cars. It also mentions restrooms at the parking lot, a small shop nearby, and a temporary restroom along the road to Sanasa. When combining a valley visit with a temple visit, using the restroom before setting out is therefore practical.
The parking lot is not directly in front of the temple grounds. The same guide explains that visitors walk from the public parking lot along the valley toward the temple, and vehicle flow and access controls may change during the peak summer season. Official sources did not confirm whether wheelchairs or strollers can be used, the slope and paving conditions, or the availability of on-site foreign-language guidance. If needed, inquire first at 010-5186-5182.
- Parking: Free public parking lot at the entrance to the Sanasa Valley hiking trail
- Capacity: Approximately 30 cars
- Facilities: Restrooms at the parking lot and a temporary restroom
- Accessibility: Advance inquiries are recommended regarding wheelchair and stroller access and foreign-language guidance
From a 30-Minute Visit to the 2.5-km Bowuguksa Practice Trail: Dividing Up Your Schedule
If you plan only a quiet tour of the temple grounds, allowing around 30 minutes is realistic. The temple is noted for Daejeokgwangjeon, Jijangjeon, Sansingak, Hamssigak, the bell pavilion, and the Stone Bell Stupa and Stone Stele of State Preceptor Wonjeung. However, the opening status of cultural properties and temple halls may vary on the day, so it is best not to create an overly tight schedule that assumes access to the interiors.
If you want to extend your walking time, Yangpyeong-gun's 2026 materials list the 2.5-km “Sanasa Bowuguksa Practice Trail.” Walking the valley path, temple, and practice trail together is more affected by footwear and weather than a temple visit alone. After rain, prepare slip-resistant shoes for safety, as the ground may be slippery.
- Recommended time for visiting the temple grounds: Approximately 30 minutes
- Sanasa Bowuguksa Practice Trail: 2.5 km
- Combined mountain and valley trail itinerary: Sneakers or hiking shoes recommended
Before You Go
- Address
- 329 Sanasa-gil, Okcheon-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
- Hours
- General temple visiting hours could not be confirmed. Templestay inquiries: 09:00–17:00.
- Admission
- Free, based on the guide to the Sanasa Valley and temple area. The experiential Templestay costs 70,000 won for adults and 50,000 won for middle and high school students.
- Phone
- 010-5186-5182
- Official site
- https://www.templestay.com/fe/MI000000000000000062/temple/introView.do?templeIdTmp=Sanasa
- Transport
- A taxi from Yangpyeong Station on the Gyeongui–Jungang Line takes approximately 10–15 minutes and costs about 12,000 won. For buses, a walk is required after getting off at the Sanasa Entrance bus stop, so checking the real-time route is recommended.
- Parking
- Free public parking at the entrance to the Sanasa Valley hiking trail, with listed capacity for approximately 30 cars. Congestion is possible during peak season.
- Time needed
- Approximately 30 minutes for the temple grounds; additional time is needed for the 2.5-km Bowuguksa Practice Trail.
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair and stroller accessibility and the availability of foreign-language guidance could not be confirmed. Inquiries at 010-5186-5182 before visiting are recommended.
The information above is current as of the time of writing. Check the official guidance again before visiting.
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