How to Get to Baekdamsa Temple in Inje, Gangwon-do: A Foreigner’s Guide

Planning a trip to Baekdamsa Temple (백담사)? Nestled deep in Seoraksan National Park, this serene Zen Buddhist temple offers breathtaking mountain scenery, ancient pagodas, and a spiritual escape. Here’s how to get there smoothly from Seoul:

Step 1: Get to Seoul’s Express Bus Terminal

• Where: Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Gyeongbu Line) or Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (Gangbyeon Station).
• Transport:
  • Subway: Take Line 3/7/9 to Express Bus Terminal Station (Exit 8).
  • Taxi: Show drivers: “고속버스터미널 가주세요” (Go-sok-beoseu-teo-mi-neol ga-ju-se-yo).

Step 2: Take a Bus to Inje County

• Bus Options:
  • Seoul → Inje: Buses run hourly (07:00–19:00). Travel time: 2.5–3 hours.
  • Ticket Purchase:
  • Use apps: Kobus or T-Money Go (English available).
  • At terminal: Look for “Inje” on digital boards.
  • Cost: ₩15,000–₩20,000 (≈ $11–$15 USD).
• Pro Tip: Sit window-side for mountain views!

Step 3: From Inje Bus Terminal to Baekdamsa

• Option A: Local Bus (Cheapest)
  • Take Bus #138 or #138-1 (Bound for “Baekdamsa”).
  • Schedule: Departs every 1–2 hours. Ride time: 50 mins.
  • Drop-off: “Baekdamsa Entrance” stop.
  • Cost: ₩1,500 (T-money card).
• Option B: Taxi (Convenient)
  • Taxi Stand: Outside Inje Terminal.
  • Show driver: “백담사 가주세요” (Baek-dam-sa ga-ju-se-yo).
  • Cost: ₩25,000–₩35,000 (≈ $18–$25 USD).
  • Travel Time: 40 mins.

Step 4: Final Stretch – Entering the Temple

• From the entrance, hike 2.8km (50–70 mins) along a forested valley path.
• Trail Notes:
  • Paved but steep; wear hiking shoes.
  • Cross crystal-clear streams via footbridges.
• Shuttle Option: Electric carts run seasonally (₩3,000 one-way).

Essential Tips for Foreigners

1. Timing:
   • Buses to Inje stop early (last return bus: ~18:30).
   • Best Visit: Spring (azaleas) or Autumn (foliage). Avoid winter (snow/ice).
2. Navigation:
   • Use Naver Maps (English) for live bus/trail info. Google Maps is unreliable.
   • Download offline maps.
3. Temple Etiquette:
   • Bow upon entering temple grounds.
   • Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees).
4. Language:
   • Inje has fewer English speakers. Learn basic phrases:
     • “화장실 어디예요?” (Hwa-jang-sil eo-di-ye-yo?) = Where’s the restroom?
     • “버스 언제 와요?” (Beo-seu eon-je wa-yo?) = When does the bus come?

Why Visit Baekdamsa?

• Highlights: 1,300-year-old temple, “Lion Rock,” and the soothing sound of the Baekdamcheon Stream.
• Cultural Gem: Monk Manhae (famous poet) once meditated here.

Return to Seoul

• From Inje: Last bus to Seoul departs ~20:00. Check schedules at the terminal!

Final Advice: Pack water, snacks, and cash (temple entrance: ₩4,000). Baekdamsa rewards the journey with peace you won’t find in the city. Happy travels! 🌿🏯