Chonja-am temple is worth the trek
Story and photos by Marcie Miller

The Yeongshil hermitage rests in the late afternoon light | Credit: Marcie Miller
Looking for a truly unique Buddhist temple experience? Then take a hike. Really. Chonja-am temple is located 1,200 meters above sea level, at the foot of Pollae oreum, and is accessed by foot only from the Yeongsil trail lower parking lot.
After about a 20 minute leisurely uphill stroll through the open forest, the temple suddenly pops out of the trees, an imposing structure built and decorated in the …