Bongeunsa Temple

Bongeunsa Temple showing a city, heritage architecture and landscape views
Escape the busy streets of Seoul with a visit to this tranquil temple, which has existed for over 1,000 years.

Bongeunsa Temple is a welcome oasis of calm within Seoul’s hectic Samseong-dong business district. Come to this beautiful and spiritual place to enjoy a moment of peace and to appreciate the beautiful building that dates back about 1,200 years. Consider the possibility of staying overnight and gaining a true insight into what life is like for the monks who live and pray here.

Find Bongeunsa Temple just north of the vast COEX building, which houses a conference center as well as an immense underground shopping mall. The contrast between the modern neighborhood and the ancient temple could not be more clear. Construction on the building first began in 794, although it was rebuilt in 1498 and moved northeast of the original site.

Today, tradition remains rich here. Come in September to witness the ceremony known as “Jeongdaebulsa,” in which monks march with the temple’s sacred scriptures held high. Observe a traditional tea ceremony and appreciate the true complexity of this seemingly simple ancient custom. The features of the temple building itself also offer insight into Buddhist tradition. Look for the woodcarvings that show the Avatamsaka Sutra.

Join the templestay program to get an even deeper insight into the Buddhist religion. Visitors are invited to stay overnight and participate in various daily rituals, such as a dawn service and a meditation session. Eat traditional meals served in old-fashioned bowls and learn how the monks go about their duties each day.

Admission to Bongeunsa Temple is free. Visit on a Thursday to benefit from the Thursday Temple Life session. English-language demonstrations are held to help foreign visitors understand the daily lives of Buddhist monks. To see a grand spectacle held once a year, come on Buddha’s birthday in May, when the temple’s monks organize festivities around the local area. Reach the temple by taking the subway to Bongeunsa Temple’s own station, which is easily accessed from every major area of the city.

Plan a trip to see Bongeunsa Temple

Hotel Atrium
Gangnam Artnouveau City
Urban Place Gangnam
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Bongeunsa Temple

Reviews of Bongeunsa Temple

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
60
" "5 - Excellent 54.54545454545455%
4 - Good
37
" "4 - Good 33.63636363636363%
3 - Okay
12
" "3 - Okay 10.909090909090908%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.9090909090909091%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Nov 20, 2019

Cheap price, a little dirty

4/5 - Good

Junnahvee
Sep 1, 2019

eat out, do not eat in hotel,

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Aug 19, 2019

If you can, do the Templelife experience. It is in English on Thursdays.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Bongeunsa Temple

Hotel Newv
Hotel Newv
3.5 out of 5
6, Seolleung-ro 85-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Seoul
Hotel Newv
InterContinental Seoul COEX, an IHG Hotel
InterContinental Seoul COEX, an IHG Hotel
5 out of 5
524, Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Seoul
InterContinental Seoul COEX, an IHG Hotel
Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas, an IHG Hotel
Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas, an IHG Hotel
5 out of 5
521, Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Seoul
Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas, an IHG Hotel
L7 Gangnam
L7 Gangnam
4 out of 5
415 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
L7 Gangnam
HOTEL in 9 Gangnam
HOTEL in 9 Gangnam
4 out of 5
618, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
HOTEL in 9 Gangnam
Shilla Stay Samsung
Shilla Stay Samsung
4 out of 5
506, Yeongdong-daero, Seoul, Seoul
Shilla Stay Samsung
Hotel Peyto Samseong
Hotel Peyto Samseong
4 out of 5
9, Teheran-ro 87-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Hotel Peyto Samseong
GLAD Gangnam COEX Center
GLAD Gangnam COEX Center
3.5 out of 5
610, Teheran-ro, Seoul, Gangnam
GLAD Gangnam COEX Center
Oakwood Premier Coex Center
Oakwood Premier Coex Center
5 out of 5
46, Teheran-ro 87-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Seoul
Oakwood Premier Coex Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.