Temples - The Seoul Guide

Bongeunsa Temple

Bongeunsa Temple is a Buddhist temple that dates back to 794 located south of the Hangang River and just north of the Starfield COEX Mall in Gangnam-gu. It was originally known as Gyeonseongsa when first built. This was during the rule of King Wonseong of Silla. Its location was 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) southwest of its current location.

Bongwonsa Temple

Bongwonsa Temple is a Buddhist temple dating back 1,000 years located at the foot of Ansan Mountain in Bongwon-dong. The temple was known as Banyasa when founded by Master Dosun in 889. It was originally located on the grounds of modern day Yonsei University. In 1592, during the Japanese invasion of Korea, the temple was destroyed, like many other buildings during this period.

Cheondogyo Central Temple

When Cheondogyo Central Temple was built between 1918 and 1921 it was used as a temple of Cheondoism, a 20th century Korean religious movement. Cheondogyo literally means "religion of the Heavenly Way." The roots of Cheondoism are based on the Confucian movement with an emphasis on Taoism, Buddhism, Korean nationalism, and ideas of peace, personal virtues, and morals while on earth.

Daeseongsa Temple

Tucked away in the foothills above Seoul Arts Center, in the southern part of Seoul, lies Daeseongsa Temple. This Buddhist temple is often missed by tourists, despite its proximity to public transportation. After being destroyed again during the Korean War, the temple was rebuilt and restored to its present state.

Doseonsa Temple

Geumsunsa Temple

Geumseonsa Temple is a Buddhist temple situated to the north of central Seoul. It is located not far from Gyeongbokgung Palace and Cheong Wa Dae (The Blue House). Although situated near central Seoul, its location within Bukhansan National Park, sometimes referred to as Samgaksan, makes it feel a world away from the city's hustle and bustle.

Gilsangsa Temple

Gilsangsa Temple is a fairly new and popular Buddhist temple complex surrounded by nature and beauty in hills of Seongbuk-dong, a neighborhood of Seoul. Since 1997, Gilsangsa has become popular with both locals and tourists for its harmony with nature. Originally, an upscale restaurant known as Daewongak was built at this location.

Hwagyesa Temple

Hwagyesa Temple, of the Chogye Order, is a Buddhist temple surrounded by beautiful scenery at the foot of Mt. Samgaksan in Suyu-dong, Gangbuk-gu. Walking around the peaceful temple grounds surrounded by mountains, running streams, and nature makes any visitor feel like they are far from the urban maze of Seoul.

Inwangsa Temple

Jingwansa Temple

Jingwansa Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Bukhansan National Park on the western outskirts of Seoul, not far from Eunpyeong Hanok Village. Jingwansa is one of four temples considered to be the most prestigious in Seoul. The others include Bulmasa Temple in the east, Sammaksa Temple in the south, and Seunggasa Temple in the north.

Jogyesa Temple

Jogyesa Temple is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Korea and a symbol of Korean Buddhism. It is located in the heart of the city near Insadong. Since 1936, it has been the head temple of the first district of the Jogye Order of Korea Buddhism. The temple was first established in 1395, at the start of the Joseon Dynasty.

Myogaksa Temple

Myogaksa Temple is a small and hidden Buddhist temple located on the side of Mt. Naksan in the quiet residential district of Jongno-gu, Sungin-dong. Getting to the temple requires a short but uphill walk up Choui-ro street from Dongmyo Station below. Myogaksa was established in May 1930 by Monk Taeheo Hongseon.