속리산 법주사

Beopjusa is a major Buddhist temple at the foot of Sokrisan in Boeun, Chungcheongbuk-do, traditionally founded in 553 CE during the Silla period and counted as one of the head temples of the Korean Jogye Order. The compound is best known for two visually striking features: the towering Palsangjeon — at five stories, the only surviving wooden pagoda of its kind in Korea, designated National Treasure No. 55 — and a 33-meter standing bronze-and-gilt Maitreya Buddha statue in the front courtyard, one of the largest standing Buddha statues in Asia. Other halls include Daeungbojeon, Wontongbojeon, and a series of stone lanterns and stupas. The temple sits inside Sokrisan National Park, so a visit threads naturally with the surrounding mountain scenery and the Beopjusa-area trails. Best given a half-day with a Sokrisan-side hike or a Suanbo hot springs overnight.