Summer 2026: An Account of Experiencing the Night Opening of Iksan's Mireuksa Temple Site, Where King Mu of Baekje Once Walked

My Experience at the Iksan Mireuksa Temple Site Night Opening, Where Baekje King Mu Once Walked, Summer 2026

In September 2026, under the night sky of Iksan, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province, the Mireuksa Temple Site, where the spirit of Baekje King Mu still breathes, was bathed in light. The '2026 National Heritage Media Art Iksan Mireuksa Temple Site' offered a special experience where history and light harmonized, by integrating modern media art into the former royal palace grounds where Baekje King Mu once walked. Operating from September 4th to September 27th, this night opening, themed 'Time of the Royal Capital, When the Light-Bathed Royal Capital Awakens,' showcased diverse content inspired by Mireuksa Temple Site's 'Three Pagodas and Three Gold Halls' style.

2026 Mireuksa Temple Site Night Opening: At a Glance

Key Program Details

The Mireuksa Temple Site Night Opening, inspired by the 'Three Pagodas and Three Gold Halls' — the core architectural style of Mireuksa Temple Site — presented content divided into three time periods: Seongsi (Sacred Time), Hyeonsi (Present Time), and Yeosi (Future Time). This arrangement depicted the historical flow from the Baekje era to the present day through nightscapes. Across the entire Mireuksa Temple Site, spanning approximately 200,000 square meters, entrance lighting art, light sculptures around the pond, and interactive photo zones were prepared, offering visitors a variety of attractions.

1. Seongsi (Sacred Time): Light of Protection

• Reborn: Return of the Wooden Pagoda: An colossal signature media facade recreating the lost Mireuksa Temple Site wooden pagoda with a towering 30-meter light. Modern technology revived the grandeur of the Baekje-era wooden pagoda. (19:30, 20:00, 20:30, 21:00)
• Time of the Wooden Pagoda: A visual light show enveloping the wooden pagoda foundation, and the East and West Pagoda structures with lighting and lasers. (19:40, 20:10, 20:40, 21:10)
• Light of the Stone Pagoda: A laser media facade reinterpreting the beauty of the National Treasure Mireuksa Temple Site's East and West Stone Pagodas with light. (19:30, 20:00, 20:30, 21:00)
• Pathway of Light: A 360° immersive media art experience where light and mist blend at the flagpole supports, illuminating the royal capital's night. (19:43~19:46, 20:13~20:16, 20:43~20:46, 21:13~21:16)
• Patterns of Time: A gobo lighting show unfolding on the wooden pagoda's base. (19:50~19:55, 20:20~20:25, 20:50~20:55, 21:20~21:25)

2. Hyeonsi (Present Time): Light of the Royal Capital

• Corridor of Time: An immersive light content experience, walking through a magnificent tunnel of light. (Always operating)
• Light of the Sarira Relics: An artistic light sculpture motifed after the gilt-bronze sarira reliquary. (Always operating)
• Light of the Royal Capital: A light sculpture inspired by dragon scales. (Always operating)
• Dream Pond: Large lotus-shaped light sculptures on the water's surface, depicting the temple's founding legend. (Always operating)
• Archive Wall: An LED media wall showcasing the story of Mireuksa Temple Site and event information through videos. (Always operating)
• Blossom of a Thousand Years: Interactive light sculptures where light and color change according to visitor movement. (Always operating)

3. Yeosi (Future Time): Light of the Future

• Raw Stone of Memory: A media facade projecting the memories of the gilt-bronze sarira inscription onto a colossal stone architectural piece.

Visitor Amenities & Getting There

The Mireuksa Temple Site Night Opening provided various facilities for the convenience of visitors.

• Parking: Visitors can use the dedicated parking lot of the National Iksan Museum, with 3 hours of free parking available when visiting the museum. Its proximity to the main Mireuksa Temple Site historical area, within a 5-minute walk, offers excellent accessibility. On weekends and public holidays, the Iksan Cultural Center parking lot can be used as an auxiliary facility. During the event period, the Mireuksa Temple Site parking lot, Palbong Public Stadium, and the Iksan World Heritage Center near Iksan Wanggung-ri Historic Site were utilized as temporary parking lots, and shuttle buses were operated.
• Restrooms: Public restrooms at Mireuksa Temple Site Tourist Area (to the left of the National Iksan Museum parking lot) are available. As of 2022, they are equipped with touch-activated automatic doors, braille signage, voice guidance systems, and staff call bells.
• Food & Beverages: A flea market and food market were operated, and food trucks were also deployed. In the 'Media Garden', visitors could relax in the light-bathed garden and enjoy the lingering atmosphere of the festival.
• Transportation: Mireuksa Temple Site is included in the city tour course departing from Iksan Station. (As of 2026)

Tips for Enjoying the Mireuksa Temple Site Night Opening

• Visiting Hours: Major media art programs run every 30 minutes starting from 19:30, so it's advisable to check the operating schedule beforehand.
• Route Planning: The exhibition is designed as a circular route to allow visitors to explore the entire Mireuksa Temple Site, so we recommend taking your time to appreciate each area. 'Reborn: Return of the Wooden Pagoda' is a must-see highlight.
• Photography: The night scenery is beautiful, so bringing a tripod or similar equipment will help you capture clearer photos. Capture special moments against the backdrop of light sculptures and media facades.
• Attire: Evenings in September can be cool, so it's a good idea to bring a light jacket. Also, as you'll be walking across a large area, comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Weekend Programs: Various side events, including street performances, hands-on activities, and a flea market, were held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Dance team performances were held on Saturdays, and city dance troupe performances on Sundays, so planning your visit according to the day will allow for a richer experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is the Mireuksa Temple Site Night Opening free to attend? A1: Yes, the 2026 National Heritage Media Art Iksan Mireuksa Temple Site Night Opening was operated free of charge.

Q2: Can I see Mireuksa Temple Site at night outside of the night opening period? A2: The '2026 National Heritage Media Art Iksan Mireuksa Temple Site' was a special event, and night viewing was only possible during that specific period (September 4th ~ September 27th, 2026). Ordinarily, Mireuksa Temple Site operates only during the daytime.

Q3: Where is the most convenient place to park? A3: The dedicated parking lot of the National Iksan Museum is the most convenient, as it is close to the main Mireuksa Temple Site historical area. During the event period, temporary parking lots and shuttle buses were also operated. For detailed information, it is best to follow on-site guidance.