Manghaesa Temple (망해사)

Manghaesa Temple in Gimje, Jeollabuk-do, sits on a low coastal cliff overlooking the Yellow Sea — its name literally means "the temple looking at the sea." Founded in the late 7th century, the temple is small but exceptionally well-sited, with the main hall positioned to face the open horizon and a stone pagoda silhouetted against the western sunset. The compound is most striking at sunset, when the entire site catches the last light coming straight off the water. About thirty minutes for the visit. The cliff path beneath the temple connects to a short coastal trail with views back at the temple compound from below. Pair with the Gunsan Geumgang Estuary Bank or the Saemangeum Seawall observation deck.