Located in a region famed for its production of green tea, Boseong is a peaceful town in South Jeolla province. It’s a popular base for visiting one of the oldest Buddhist temples in South Korea and hosts a lively Green Tea Festival each May.
Things to do in Boseong
One of the most-visited attractions in Boseong is the Daehan Dawon Green Tea Farm, which is renowned for its artistically designed tea plantations that have been featured in several South Korean films. Soak up the sweeping views across the plantation from the elevated observation deck, then learn about green tea production at the on-site museum. In addition to sampling green tea, you can try cold green tea noodles and green tea ice cream at the on-site restaurant.
Boseong is home to one of the oldest Buddhist temples in South Korea, Daewonsa, which was originally founded during the Baekje era and rebuilt during the Shilla Dynasty. Much of the temple’s worshipping centres around death and it offers temple-stay programs based on the topic. Coincide your visit with spring when the cherry trees lining the temple pathway are in bloom.
Daewonsa is located alongside the Tibetan Museum, which is fronted by a 15-metre-high whitewashed stupa housing murals and mandalas painted by Tibetan artists. The museum was created to showcase Tibetan Buddhist culture and promote exchange and understanding with Korean Buddhism. In addition to Tibetan Buddhist paintings and religious objects, it features an exhibition highlighting the afterlife.
Getting around Boseong
Gwangju Airport is just over two hours by bus from Boseong and has flights to Jeju and Seoul. Central Seoul is around four hours away by public transport. Buses travel throughout Boseong and connect most of its attractions while having a vehicle gives you greater freedom to explore the region.