As we slowly (read: very slowly) adapt to life as a family of seven with two newborns, we’ve been enjoying close-to-home adventures and, thankfully, there are plenty to come by here in South Korea. A couple weeks ago, we decided we needed some fresh air and, after a morning of fussy babies, we decided to go explore Mangisa Temple in Jinwi-myeon, Pyeongtaek. We’ve explored a lot of temples in South Korea, but this was one we hadn’t visited before, so it made for a perfect outing – not too hard, not too far, and perfect for a late afternoon, spur-of-the-moment adventure.
Exploring Mangisa Temple
We’ve seen some pretty amazing temples on the peninsula, including the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan and Gakwonsa Temple in Cheonan. The appeal of Mangisa Temple, however, is that it’s just 45 minutes from Camp Humphreys and about 10 minutes from Osan Air Base. So, we loaded up the kids (yes, all five of them, plus a couple neighbors’ children), and headed out.
Mangisa Temple sits high on a hill overlooking the valley below. Nestled in the fall foliage and surrounded by hiking trails, it made for the perfect place to explore. Plus, the beauty of these temples is that no two are exactly the same. In the case of Mangisa Temple, there were giant statues below the main temple grounds like those we saw at Seoknamsa Temple. There was also a cemetery of sorts on the grounds that was neat to explore, though we had to remind our children to do so reverently.
The History of Mangisa Temple
Each temple has its own unique history, and Mangisa Temple is absolutely no exception. This Buddhist Temple features the iron seated Buddha adorned in rich, thick gold in the main temple building. As you enter though, you pass through the Gate of the Four Heavenly Kings where the aforementioned statues stand on each side of the doors, guarding the grounds from each direction.
Mangisa Temple was founded at the beginning of the Goryeo Period featuring artifacts and artwork that dates back hundreds and even thousands of years, painstakingly cared for by the monks that live and practice on the grounds. Today, one of the most impressive features is still the Gamnocheon, or sweet water fountain, which stands impressively on the grounds and offers a unique cultural element all its own.
Visiting Mangisa Temple
Cost: It’s free to visit Mangisa Temple, though there are multiple places to provide a donation.
Accessibility: There are some flat footpaths and walking areas, however much of the area features steep stairs that are not accessible to strollers or wheelchairs.
Dress & Behavior: Because this is a place of worship and a holy site, it’s recommended to dress more modestly than one might in the US. For example, no thin-strapped tank tops or short shorts. In terms of behavior, children should be able to be quiet and as reverent as possible when within the temple in order to show respect.
Address: In Waze – 548 Dongcheon-ri, Jinwi-myeon, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do; In Naver or Kakao – 경기도 평택시 진위면 진위로 181-82
