This stately complex’s 30-odd buildings are wedged into a valley, with steep, forested slopes on either side. The gold-roofed buildings are as elaborate as you’d expect, very close together and connected with elevated walkways. You may stumble upon monks chanting and drumming as you climb towards the opulent three-storey hall (대조사전) at the top dedicated to the temple's founder. It's worth the short hike just for the views of the temples and mountains vanishing into the horizon.
The temple is the headquarters of the Cheontae sect of Korean Buddhism, which was reestablished by Sangwol Wongak in 1945. From the main hall, it’s a further steep climb of 30 minutes to his tomb atop the hill.
The communal kitchen serves free vegetarian meals (6am to 7.30am, 11.30am to 1.30pm and 6.30pm to 9.30pm) and templestays are held twice a month. The midway point has a tourist information office with English-speaking staff, maps and free lockers.
