Temple Tranquility at Hwaeomsa

#summervacay Just spent a whole morning wandering around Hwaeomsa Temple in Gurye-gun (Jeollanam-do), and seriously, it’s a vibe. This place has been around since 544 AD and sits right at the edge of Jirisan Mountain. It’s been through a lot (burned down during the Imjin War!) but was rebuilt in the 1600s and still feels totally timeless. The moment you walk through the main Iljumun gate, everything gets super calm. There's the massive Daeungjeon Hall and the iconic Gakhwangjeon Hall, this huge wooden building that’s straight-up impressive. Up a few stone steps, there’s this adorable three-story stone pagoda held up by four lions. One even looks like a lion mom serving tea, too cute. Everything’s surrounded by these old trees, soft mountain breezes, and that perfect peaceful temple vibe. It’s quiet, not too touristy, and full of cool old details that feel meaningful even if you’re not into history. Wear comfy shoes, bring a water bottle, and just let yourself slow down. This spot is all about peace.