Located at the heart of Yesan County, Yesan is a small town in South Korea’s South Chungcheong Province. It has been designated as a “slow city” for its preservation of traditional cultures and communities and is home to the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, Sudeoksa.
Things to do in Yesan
Perched on the southern slope of Mount Deoksungsan is Sudeoksa, a beautifully restored Korean Buddhist temple of the Jogye Order. At its heart is South Korea’s oldest wooden building, the Mahavira Hall, which was constructed by the Goryeo Kingdom in 1308. Also designated as a National Treasure is a scroll painting by Rocana Buddha and a seated image of Sakyamuni Buddhi carved in wood. Trek to the summit of Mount Deoksungsan to see the Jeonwolsa Temple, where the monk Mongong spent his final years.
After visiting Mount Deoksungsan, you can soak your weary muscles at Splas Resom, a spa complex fed by waters from the Deoksan hot springs. In addition to its lagoon-style swimming pools and family-friendly water slides, the complex features scenic walking trails, landscaped gardens and a cultural arts plaza.
Just south of Yesan is the Yedangho Suspension Bridge, which stretches for 402 metres across Yedang Lake. Walk across what is the longest suspension bridge in Korea or photograph it from the sculpture park that hugs the lake shores. After dark, a musical fountain spectacular takes place on the bridge featuring brightly coloured LED lights and water shooting 110 metres into the air.
Getting around Yesan
Yesan is around 2.5 hours by train from Seoul Station and just over three hours from Incheon International Airport. Buses travel throughout Yesan and connect most of its attractions. Renting a car is the most convenient way of exploring the region.