Bongeunsa Temple – Beauty of Korean Buddhism in the City

Amid the modern skyscrapers of Seoul’s bustling Samseong district, Bongeunsa Temple offers a serene retreat, showcasing the deep spirituality and beauty of Korean Buddhism. Just steps away from the glitzy COEX Mall, this historic temple is a place where past and present harmonize, offering visitors a glimpse into the country’s rich Buddhist heritage.

Century-history Temple

Bongeunsa Temple was founded in 794 A.D. during the Unified Silla Dynasty and has witnessed Korea’s evolving religious and cultural landscape for over a thousand years. Originally established as Gyeonseongsa Temple, it was later renamed Bongeunsa during the Joseon Dynasty, playing a crucial role in preserving Buddhism when the ruling Confucian government imposed restrictions on the religion.

Today, Bongeunsa remains one of Seoul’s most significant Buddhist temples, known for its majestic 23-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha statue, which overlooks the city skyline. The contrast between the temple’s ancient architecture and the modern buildings surrounding it makes for a breathtaking view.

Experiences & Programs for Visitors

Bongeunsa offers unique opportunities for visitors to explore Korean Buddhist culture through its Templestay and Templelife programs.

1. Regular Templestay Program (2 Days, 1 Night)

This immersive overnight program provides a deep introduction to Buddhist monastic life.

Held on the first Saturday to Sunday of each month, it includes:
• Temple etiquette learning
• Guided temple tour
• Tea ceremony (Da-Seon)
• Copying Buddhist scriptures (Sagyeong)
• Monastic meals & silent meditation
• Participation in Buddhist ceremonies
• 108 prostrations for mindfulness

Details
- Duration: 2 days, 1 night (Starts at 2 PM, ends at 11 AM the next day)
- Eligibility: Open to participants aged 14+
- Language: English
- Fee: KRW 120,000 per person
- Payment: Bank transfer (at least a week before) or cash payment on-site
- Reservation: Recommend to reserve at least one month in advance. Find more info below.

!URL[https://koreawhattodo.com/blog/1741220985001]

Things to Bring
- Comfortable clothing, socks, toiletries, tumbler, sneakers/slip-on shoes, and personal items.

Important Notes
• Room sharing policy follows gender-based regulations unless with a family member.
• Reservation windows open two months in advance.

2. Thursday Templelife Program (One-Day Experience)

A short yet enriching program for those who wish to experience Korean Buddhism in just a few hours.

The Templelife program runs every Thursday from 2 PM to 4 PM, offering a chance to:
• Take a guided temple tour
• Join a tea ceremony (Da-Seon)
• Copy Buddhist scriptures (Sagyeong)

Details
- Duration: 2 hours (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
- Eligibility: Exclusively for non-Koreans (requires at least 3 participants)
- Language: English
- Fee: KRW 30,000 per person (Cash only)
- Reservation: Recommend to reserve at least one month in advance. Find more info below.

!URL[https://koreawhattodo.com/blog/1741220985001]

Things to Bring
- Comfortable shoes (preferably slip-ons), socks, umbrella (if needed), and personal medicine.

Cultural Festivals & Special Events

Bongeunsa Temple comes alive during major Buddhist celebrations, offering visitors a unique glimpse into traditional Korean Buddhist culture.

🌸 Buddha’s Birthday Celebration (April/May, Lunar Calendar)

One of the most significant Buddhist holidays, Buddha’s Birthday is celebrated with vibrant lotus lanterns that illuminate the temple grounds. Visitors can witness traditional Buddhist rituals, enjoy cultural performances, and participate in lantern-making activities.

🏮 Seoul Lotus Lantern Festival

Coinciding with Buddha’s Birthday, this grand lantern parade winds through the streets of Seoul, with monks, laypeople, and visitors carrying glowing lanterns shaped like lotus flowers, dragons, and Buddhist symbols. Bongeunsa Temple plays a key role in the festival, hosting special exhibits and ceremonies.

These festivals are a must-see for visitors who want to experience the beauty of Buddhist traditions in Korea.

Best Time to Visit Bongeunsa

Spring (April – May)
The temple is adorned with cherry blossoms, creating a picturesque setting.

Autumn (September – November)
Enjoy vibrant fall foliage in the temple grounds.

Buddha’s Birthday & Lantern Festival (Lunar April 8th)
The temple’s most spectacular event with thousands of lanterns illuminating the night.

Getting to Bongeunsa Temple

Location

Subway
Line 9 (Golden Line) – Bongeunsa Station, Exit 1 (100m walk)
Line 2 (Green Line) – Samsung Station, Exit 6 (600m walk)
Line 7 (Olive Line) – Cheongdam Station, Exit 2 (800m walk)