Yongmunsa Ginkgo and Mir Patbingsu

The path to Yongmunsa Temple in Yangpyeong is pleasant to walk along, with the sounds of streams and valley waters accompanying you.

Visited on September 11, 2025

Mir Cafe

As far as I remember, this was my first visit to Yongmunsa Temple. I had been to Yongmunsa Station before, but the temple itself is about 7 km away in a straight line.

Yongmun Tourist Complex
Yongmun Tourist Complex

From the Yongmunsan Tourist Information Center, after passing the Yongmun Tourist Complex, you walk about 800 meters to find Mir Cafe next to the entrance of Yongmunsa Temple. On Naver Maps it’s listed as “Jeontong Dawon,” and on KakaoMap as “Jeontong Dawon Mir.” Along the 800-meter walk, you can enjoy the sounds of streams and valleys. However, due to nearby construction, there are many cement mixers passing by, and the suspension bridge is closed off.

Suspension bridge
Suspension bridge

At Mir Cafe, I ordered the seasonal patbingsu (shaved ice with sweet red beans). It costs 18,000 KRW. The portion is enough for two people, but if you’re very thirsty, you could slowly eat it by yourself. The patbingsu contains frozen fruit. Aside from the fruit, the overall taste is a bit mild. There are many nuts, so it’s quite chewy—if you dislike nuts, it’s best to request no nuts when ordering. Perhaps because it was hot, many customers ordered patbingsu, and it seems to be quite popular.

Patbingsu at Mir Cafe
Patbingsu at Mir Cafe

Inside the patbingsu
Inside the patbingsu

Yongmunsa

After finishing the patbingsu, I started exploring Yongmunsa Temple. There is a ginkgo tree. Rather than thinking it was majestic, I thought it was tall. This ginkgo tree is Natural Monument No. 30. There is a legend that it was planted by Prince Mari.

The Ginkgo Tree at Yongmunsa
The Ginkgo Tree at Yongmunsa

Near the ginkgo tree, there is a tall steel tower. What is it? It doesn’t look very attractive, but I assume it’s a lightning rod protecting the ginkgo tree from lightning strikes.

Next to the three-story stone pagoda, there is a Bhaisajyaguru Buddha statue. There is a sign about gilding, which refers to applying gold leaf to the statue. The front of the statue is golden, but looking at the back, the gold is much lighter.

Yongmunsa
Yongmunsa
Who arranged the golden cushion like this?
Who arranged the golden cushion like this?
Statue of the Medicine Buddha
Statue of the Medicine Buddha
Maitreya Buddha?
Maitreya Buddha?

Location & Parking

The road address of Yongmunsa Temple is 782 Yongmunsan-ro, Yongmun-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do.

I recommend parking at the lot behind the Yongmunsan Tourist Information Center. There are several other parking lots before that, but they require a longer walk to the information center. Parking is paid, but temple admission is free.

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