Hae’insa is located on the slopes of gorgeous and unspoiled Kayasan. This temple is beautifully constructed and, believe it or not, it’s actually old! Its remote location spared it from some of the waves of destruction and reconstruction suffered by the vast majority of Korean historic sites. Hae’insa’s biggest boast is that it houses the Tripitaka Koreana, which merits its status as an international treasure. This series of 81,258 engraved wooden blocks are carved with the Buddhist canon. The carving took 16 years and was completed in 1251. The blocks are housed in specially constructed library buildings at Hae’insa. These buildings themselves are a marvel, specially created hundreds of years ago in such a way as to optimally preserve the wood. Unfortunately a few years back foreign timber was used in some construction at the temple, and unbeknownst till recently the timbers were carrying hitchhikers—in this case powder post beetles. Now the buildings, and worse, the Tripitaka Koreana itself are in grave danger. Around Hae’insa there are countless hermitages and lesser temples.  
 
   After you’ve checked out Hae’insa you can continue up the path past the temple (the temple should be on your right). If you follow the people in the tall wool socks you’ll find yourself on a lovely trail up the mountain. The hike should take you about two hours and twenty minutes, one way. The view at the top is absolutely spectacular. 
   You’ll want to leave Taegu with either a lunch or grub money (there are restaurants at the end of the bus line). You’ll also need an entry fee for the temple (paid on the bus). The bus fare itself is approximately 5,000 won. Buses from Taegu to Hae’insa leave about once every 20 minutes. The trip will take less than two hours (an hour and a half if it’s a direct bus). The Taegu buses depart from Sobu bus terminal, which is located on our subway line (get off at Sungdangmot, you can’t miss it). If you happen to be from out of town, the subway line also has a stop at the Express Bus Terminal (around the corner from Dong-Taegu Train Station) it really couldn’t be simpler! Most of the buses that service Duryu Park also go past Sobu terminal—just look for the sign.