Gakwonsa Temple sits on Taejosan, north of central Cheonan, and gives the city a quieter counterweight to its stations and shopping streets. The main draw is the large seated Buddha, but the setting matters just as much: wooded slopes, temple courtyards, and trails that turn a short visit into a half-day if you want to walk.
It is easy to pair with the Independence Hall if you have a taxi or are patient with buses. Come early or late for the best light on the temple roofs and the hills behind them.