Bongeunsa Temple

Bongeunsa Temple is a thousand-year-old Buddhist temple located in the heart of Seoul, surrounded by modern skyscrapers. Founded in 794 during the reign of King Wonseong of Silla, it has long stood as one of Korea’s central temples of Buddhism. Today, it continues to offer visitors peace and reflection through meditation and mindfulness programs.

Within the temple grounds, visitors can find the grand Main Hall (Daeungjeon), the beautifully decorated Beopwang-ru Pavilion, and a massive Maitreya Buddha statue that overlooks the city. Each season transforms the temple’s scenery—cherry blossoms in spring, lush greens in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and snow-covered tranquility in winter—making it a place of beauty year-round.

Despite its location near COEX and Gangnam’s bustling business district, Bongeunsa remains a serene sanctuary where people can experience calm amid the city’s energy. It is also a popular destination for international visitors seeking to experience Korean Buddhist culture and traditional temple architecture.