North Gyeongsang Province

What to Know at Bogyeongsa Temple of Silla, in Front of Naeyeonsan’s 12 Waterfalls

Bogyeongsa is a Buddhist temple in Pohang, associated with a founding legend dating to 602 and the valley of Naeyeonsan’s 12 waterfalls. This guide brings together everything you need to know about free admission, getting there in about an hour from Pohang Intercity Bus Terminal, the cultural heritage route, and precautions for trekking through the valley.

By the KOTourLive Editorial Team Updated: Sep 8, 2026 16 min 212

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Why the 602 CE Tale of the Octagonal Mirror Became the Temple’s Name

Pohang City introduces Bogyeongsa Temple as a temple founded in 602, the 25th year of Silla King Jinpyeong’s reign. According to the founding tale, the eminent monk Jimyeong, who had studied in the Chen dynasty and returned, reported to the king. After filling in a pond on Naeyeonsan Mountain, he buried an octagonal mirror, built a temple, and named it Bogyeongsa.

Today, Bogyeongsa lies between the ridges of Naeyeonsan Mountain and a valley known for its 12 waterfalls. Because the temple is laid out with the mountain behind it and the valley stream alongside it, the temple grounds and valley exploration can be combined into one itinerary. However, it is safer to treat temple sightseeing and waterfall trekking as separate routes.

내연산 자락에 자리한 보경사군립공원 풍경입니다. — A view of Bogyeongsa County Park located at the foot of Naeyeonsan Mountain. — Photo source: pohang.go.kr

06:00–18:00: How Far Can You Explore After Free Admission?

According to the Korea Tourism Organization, the operating hours are 06:00–18:00, and the temple is open year-round. General admission is free, and Bogyeongsa announced that it stopped charging admission fees on May 4, 2023. Temple stays are programs that require a separate fee from general sightseeing.

The grounds include major buildings such as Daejeokgwangjeon, Daeungjeon, Yeongsanjeon, and Palsangjeon, as well as Seounam, Cheongnyeonam, Munsuam, and Bohyeonam hermitages. However, the confirmed information does not specify the admission closing time, photography restrictions, controlled-access areas, or whether English information or an audio guide is available. It is therefore best not to plan your itinerary around viewing the interiors of specific buildings.

Treasures to Find Inside Cheonwangmun Gate and a 6-Meter Citrus Tree

The cultural heritage sites found on the grounds include the Stele of State Preceptor Wonjin, Treasure No. 252; a stupa, Treasure No. 430; a hanging banner painting, Treasure No. 1609; and Jeokgwangjeon Hall, Treasure No. 1868. The Five-Story Stone Pagoda is Gyeongsangbuk-do Tangible Cultural Heritage No. 203, and Daeungjeon Hall is Gyeongsangbuk-do Tangible Cultural Heritage No. 461.

The trifoliate orange tree is also difficult to overlook. Designated as Gyeongsangbuk-do Monument No. 11, this tree has a diameter of 0.8 meters and a height of 6 meters. The stupa is a Goryeo-period historic site, was designated on September 1, 1965, and consists of one structure. Do not cross railings or restricted areas to get a closer look at the cultural heritage.

보물 제252호 원진국사비를 보여 주는 보경사 문화유산 사진입니다. — A Bogyeongsa cultural heritage photograph showing the Stele of State Preceptor Wonjin, Treasure No. 252. — Photo source: pohang.go.kr

경상북도 유형문화재 제203호 보경사 오층석탑입니다. — Bogyeongsa’s Five-Story Stone Pagoda, Gyeongsangbuk-do Tangible Cultural Heritage No. 203. — Photo source: pohang.go.kr

About One Hour by Express Bus from Pohang Intercity Bus Terminal

By public transportation, take a reserved-seat bus from Pohang Intercity Bus Terminal toward Bogyeongsa; according to Pohang City, the journey takes one hour. Because the specific route number and service interval are not provided, do not assume that buses will arrive frequently. Check the timetable separately before setting out.

By car, use National Route 7 along the East Coast from downtown Pohang. At the center of Songna-myeon, 30.8 km toward Yeongdeok and Uljin, continue approximately 4 km toward Bogyeongsa to reach the address at 523 Bogyeong-ro, Songna-myeon, Buk-gu, Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do. The National Heritage Portal lists the location of Bogyeongsa’s stupa separately as 533 Bogyeong-ro, so take care not to confuse the two addresses when searching for the destination.

보경사와 내연산 계곡 주변의 탐방 풍경입니다. — A view of the sightseeing area around Bogyeongsa and the Naeyeonsan valley. — Photo source: visitkorea.or.kr

A 3,800-Pyeong Parking Area and Free Operation

There is one parking facility at the entrance to Bogyeongsa, with an area of 3,800 pyeong. Pohang City states that the Bogyeongsa County Park parking lot operates free of charge. Visitors arriving by car should therefore plan to park at the entrance rather than expect to park directly in front of the temple buildings.

The number of available parking spaces and the latest operating hours are not provided. The recommended time for touring the temple grounds has also not been separately confirmed, while Korea Tourism Organization materials indicate that restrooms are available. Even with free parking, it is safer to allow time to walk from the parking lot to the temple grounds during periods when valley visitors are numerous.

Realistic Timing When Adding the 7.5 km Route to Gwaneum Falls and Yeonsan Falls

Review materials describing a round-trip route linking Bogyeongsa with Gwaneum Falls and Yeonsan Falls in Naeyeonsan Cheonghagu Valley put the distance at approximately 7.5 km and the duration at about 2.5 to 3 hours. Therefore, calculate a temple-only itinerary separately from one that includes the waterfalls. Those using buses for the round trip should also keep the return departure time in mind.

After torrential rain, trails may be closed because of rising valley water levels, and visitors should beware of slipping on rocks and near the water around the falls. The valley route may not suit travelers expecting only a flat temple walk. People who have difficulty walking on rocky paths or beside water may be better off limiting their visit to the temple grounds and entrance area.

보경사에서 이어지는 내연산 계곡 탐방로의 모습입니다. — A view of the Naeyeonsan valley trail leading from Bogyeongsa. — Photo source: visitkorea.or.kr

A One-Day Route from Acorn Jelly to Wolpo Beach

The local food district around Bogyeongsa lists acorn jelly, deodeok, wild mountain greens, pine mushrooms, native chicken, and dongdongju as specialty foods. Foreign visitors looking for a meal after visiting the valley can note these food names to make their choices clearer when ordering.

Nearby destinations include Hwajin Beach, Wolpo Beach, Chilpo Beach, the Yeongil Folk Museum, Haok Valley, and the Gyeongsangbuk-do Arboretum. Bogyeongsa’s official website introduces the Seongbo Museum and experiential, one-day, and relaxation-style temple stays among its programs. The temple stay inquiry telephone number is 054-262-5354.

보경사 주변 자연과 문화 탐방을 함께 보여 주는 사진입니다. — A photograph showcasing nature and cultural sightseeing around Bogyeongsa. — Photo source: visitkorea.or.kr

Phone Number and Address to Note Before Departure

The main office telephone number for Bogyeongsa is 054-262-1117, and the official website is http://www.bogyeongsa.org/. The operating hours are 06:00–18:00, general admission is free, and the temple is open year-round. Recording these four details together in your basic itinerary will be useful.

The address is 523 Bogyeong-ro, Songna-myeon, Buk-gu, Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do. However, the specific bus route number and service interval, detailed wheelchair and stroller accessibility, whether cash is required, the permitted scope of photography, and the availability of English information have not been confirmed. If you add the waterfall route, check trail restrictions and water-side safety first, and allow more time than you would for a temple-only visit.

Before You Go

Address: 523 Bogyeong-ro, Songna-myeon, Buk-gu, Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Hours: 06:00–18:00
Closed: Open year-round
Admission: Free. Temple stay programs require a separate fee
Phone: 054-262-1117
Official site: http://www.bogyeongsa.org/
Transport: Take a reserved-seat bus toward Bogyeongsa from the intercity bus terminal; the journey takes about one hour. By car, use National Route 7 along the East Coast from downtown Pohang, then travel approximately 4 km toward Bogyeongsa from the center of Songna-myeon
Parking: One parking facility at the entrance to Bogyeongsa, covering 3,800 pyeong. The Bogyeongsa County Park parking lot operates free of charge
Time needed: The time required to tour Bogyeongsa itself has not been confirmed. Review materials describe the round-trip Naeyeonsan Gwaneum Falls–Yeonsan Falls route as approximately 7.5 km and 2.5–3 hours
Accessibility: Restrooms available. Valley trails may be closed after torrential rain; beware of slipping on rocks and near the water around the waterfalls

The information above is accurate as of the time of writing. Check the official information again before visiting.

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경상북도 포항시 북구 송라면 보경로 523

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Wolpo Beach

A beach with a wide sandy shore where visitors can enjoy swimming and surfing

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Gyeongsangbuk-do Arboretum

An arboretum where you can stroll along forest trails while observing a variety of plants.

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