With the final arrival of warmer weather its time to start exploring our surrounding region. An easy day trip is to Unmunsa Temple located SE of Daegu. Some may feel they dont want to see another Temple but Unmunsa has many unique features making this a worthwhile short trip out from Daegu. 

There is a direct bus to Unmunsa that can be reached from Nambu Terminal just outside Manchon Station. The bus fare costs 7300w each way ($6.50) and runs almost hourly. 

 

Journey time takes about 80 mins stopping at some local bus terminals before reaching the Unmunsa parking lot. Be sure the check the return bus times before you head out. 

 

Entrance to the temple is 2000w ($1.80) and leads you on a short secluded wooded trail towards the temple. 

 
 

Unlike Taiwan where temples are on almost every city block, in Korea religion did not makes its way into the cities. Many of the major Buddhist sites are set in the mountains and other tranquil locations. 

 
 




























 


 
If you manage to go in clear weather it can be very scenic with some stunning panorama shots. 

 
 

Some of the unique features of this Temple complex are the three carved figure halls. The first one had hundreds of miniature carved figures. Each one had individual characteristics and facial features. 

 
 

The outside gardens are also stunningly beautiful with mountain backdrops and stone carved pagodas. 

 
 

The Temple is actually home to a female order of monks and half the complex is closed off to the public. You will occasionally see female robed monks walking around. 

 
 

The second carved figure hall had lifesize carvings. They were not as many as the tiny figures but were quite majestic with individual features

 

The final carving hall had foot high carvings with personal characteristics. 

 













 

 
I explored the Temple in under an hour and had to dash back for the next bus or would have been stuck for another hour. Unmunsa can make an interesting half day trip from Daegu, and has some distinct features unique from other Korean Temples   

More links
http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=806234
http://www.unmunsa.or.kr/home/e_photo/e_photo.htm
http://koreantemples.com/?p=214

 





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