Bongeunsa is a 1,200-year-old Buddhist temple founded in 794 AD (as Gyeonseongsa) during the Silla era and renamed in 1498 by Queen Jeonghyeon. It sits in the heart of Seoul's Gangnam district, directly across from the COEX mall and its famous Starfield Library, creating a striking contrast between traditional halls and glass skyscrapers. For nearly 400 years during the Joseon Dynasty it served as a center of Korean Seon (Zen) Buddhism.
The roughly 23-meter Maitreya (Future Buddha) stone statue, one of the tallest in Korea and the temple's landmark
Panjeon Hall, housing the 1855 woodblock carvings of the Avatamsaka Sutra; its signboard calligraphy is attributed to the great Joseon scholar Kim Jeong-hui (Chusa)
A green oasis in the city, beautiful across seasons — autumn foliage roughly mid-October to mid-November and summer lotus blooms
A weekly Thursday program for foreign visitors (temple tour, meditation, tea with monks) plus day and overnight Templestay options
Walking distance to COEX and Samseong Station, easy to combine with a downtown itinerary
Good to know
MannersRemove your shoes before entering the prayer halls, and wear socks rather than going barefoot. The central doorway of a gate or hall is reserved for monks and the Buddha, so enter through the side doors.
MannersKeep your voice low on the grounds, and when sitting inside a hall do not point your feet toward the Buddha. Take extra care not to disturb worshippers during prayer times.
RulesPhotography is generally fine on the grounds but is prohibited inside most halls and during ceremonies. Follow posted signs and staff instructions.
SeasonAround Buddha's Birthday (spring, roughly April–May) the temple is decorated with lanterns for the Lotus Lantern Festival and gets very crowded — not the time to expect a quiet visit.
SafetyThe grounds climb a hillside with many stairs and slopes. Wear stable footwear and watch your step in rain, snow, or winter ice.
Practical info
About a 1–5 minute walk from Bongeunsa Station (Subway Line 9), Exit 1. Admission is free. Opening hours and program fees (e.g., the Thursday foreigner program is around ₩10,000) can change, so check the official site (bongeunsa.org) for the latest before you go.
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