This, in my opinion, does not only deserve to be a world heritage site, It would also be Korea’s best world heritage site. Unjusa is unfortunately (or rather fortunately) very off the beaten path. The only WHS close by is the Hwasun dolmen component of the site everybody seems to tick off with Ganghwa near Seoul. I spent the night in Naju, the closest place I could find a hotel online, and visited the temple first thing in the morning. As so often during my off-season Korea trip, I was the only visitor. There is a ticket booth and free parking at the entrance.

The temple itself is at the end of a small valley and not spectacular or even different from the many other temples I visited in Korea. The real value lies in the many Pagodas and Buddhas along the valley. The come in different forms and sizes. Some very unique, like the round pagodas or the massive Buddha carved into a rock. Apart from the main road to the temple, you have to explore the paths on the hills to the left, right and even behind the temple. I spent around two hours exploring all the pathways and admiring every single statue and pagoda.

This site should be a must on your itinerary. If you have enough time, you might even consider a temple stay they offer. I leave it to the non-drivers to figure out how to reach the temple with public transport. Just use a rental car.