When in South Korea visiting temples and doing the templestay are two things to check off your Seoul bucket list. There are many Buddhist temples in Seoul to visit that will give you a unique experience of Korean Buddhism. 

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LIST OF TOP TEMPLES IN SEOUL TO VISIT

BONGEUNSA TEMPLE

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Bongeunsa Temple is one of the most popular and oldest temples in South Korea and you would not believe it when you see it next to the COEX mall in Gangnam. 

Founded in 794 during the Shilla Dynasty, it is a must-visit place in Seoul. As soon as you enter the temple you will find the environment to be so serene. 

Everywhere you go I am sure you are able to capture a beautiful photo to grasp how beautiful this place is. In your checklist of temples to visit in Seoul this is a must. 

In addition, we are sure you will find lots of parents praying for their kids during the Suneung (수능), the college entrance exam kids take in their last year of high school. 

BEST TIMES TO SEE TEMPLES IN SEOUL

All year long it is open to everyone. However, it is especially a beautiful place to visit during the celebration of Buddha’s birthday.

GETTING THERE

The quickest way to getting there is by arriving at Bongeunsa station on line 9 , see any similarity? 
At the station you will head to exit 1 and it will just be in front of you in a couple of meters. We are sure you won’t miss it. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION
https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264594

JOGYESA TEMPLE

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Jogyesa Temple is located in the middle of the Seoul surrounded by tall buildings nevertheless experience complete peace while inside the temple. 

Founded in 1910, it is one of the most recent temples created  in South Korea. During the era of the Japanese occupation many Buddhist temples in Seoul were destroyed. However, Jogyesa remained and became such a symbolic temple ever since. 

Jogyesa Temple is now the main temple for the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, the largest Korean Buddhism group in South Korea. This temple is also a must-visit in Seoul checklist. 

BEST TIMES TO SEE TEMPLES IN SEOUL

All year long it is open to everyone. However, it is especially a beautiful place to visit during the celebration of Buddha’s birthday.

GETTING THERE

The best way to get to Jogyesa Temple is by subway. Get off in Jonggak Station (Subway Line 1) and walk 400 metres from Exit #2. It will probably take you 5 minutes. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION
https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264352

NEUNGIN SEONWON TEMPLE

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Although Neungin Sunwon (능인선원) is not one of the most popular or oldest temple in South Korea, it definitely has its charms. Some buddhist temples in Seoul are more modern and constructed more recently. However, we have always found it quite peaceful and we are also extremely thankful to be allowed inside.

Based on the teachings of the Buddha, Neungin Seonwon was established as a discipline for training Buddishist and promoting social welfare in 1985. They promote a modernized Korean Buddhism through prayer life, revitalization of local laws, and volunteer activities. 

This temple and its people show another side of the Korean culture and religion that Korean people live. We have to say that as soon as we walked in monks were very friendly and welcoming at all times. 

BEST TIMES TO SEE TEMPLES IN SEOUL

There is no particular time that is best to go. We do recommend to always be respectful and keep your voices down as people are in the other room praying. 

GETTING THERE

To visit the temple we would recommend to go best by car or taxi since the location is a bit more isolated from the city. If you are in the area visiting Bongeunsa, schedule this temple as it is a 15 minute taxi drive from Bongeunsa (when there’s no traffic). 

GUKNYEONGSA TEMPLE

Guknyeongsa Temple (국녕사) is quite breathtaking to see after a small hike in Bukhansan. It is in the middle of the mountain and you are able to see Nojeokbong Peak right behind it. 

This Buddhist temple is one of the 13 Seungyeong Temples of the Bukhansanseong Fortress. Built by monks Cheonghui and Cheolseon as a military Buddhist temple after the construction of Bukhansanseong in 1711. This Buddhist temple was probably used for guarding and repairing one of the nearest doors to the fortress. 

There is a 24 meter Great Buddha in the middle with around 10,000 Buddhas around it. It is quite an image to see. I wouldn’t say it’s one of the largest temples in Seoul, however, it is such a beautiful place to visit in Bukhansan. 

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BEST TIMES TO SEE TEMPLES IN SEOUL

There is no particular time that is best to go. We do recommend to always be respectful and keep your voices down as people are in the other room praying. 

GETTING THERE

There are several ways of arriving at this Korean temple. One thing for sure is that you will be hiking to get here since it’s located in Bukhansan. One of the most popular mountains to hike in Seoul, South Korea. 

The road to Guknyeongsa Temple is divided into three main roads:
First road: that starts at the entrance of Baekhwasa Temple in Gupabal.
Second road: goes through Daeseomun and enters Beopyongsa Temple
Third road: is 0.2 kilometers from Ammun.

For better guidance check the map below.