Jogyesa Temple
Right next to Insadong, the easiest entry point for first-timers to experience Korean Buddhist atmosphere and lantern culture.
View detailsKOREAN TEMPLE GUIDE
Visit a Korean temple, well prepared
Seon (선) is the Korean word for Zen. A practical guide to visiting 25 Korean temples—hours, admission, directions, taxi cards, and etiquette in one place.
Plan your visits
- Getting to Korean temples from airports, KTX stations and bus terminals
Which Korean temples you can reach from each airport, KTX station and bus terminal, with straight-line distances and checked directions to each temple.
- Korean temples by season
What each Korean temple is like in spring, summer, autumn and winter, and the seasonal festivals that usually take place there.
- Temple stories and Seon teachings
Short stories behind Korean temples and classic Seon (Zen) teachings, each with its source.
Recommended temples
Bongeunsa Temple
Facing COEX, an ideal spot to gaze upon the majestic stone Buddha and enjoy a quiet tea ceremony amidst city rush.
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Gilsangsa Temple
Originally a high-end historic banquet hall reborn as a temple. Offers the deepest silence and philosophical headspace in Seoul.
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Jingwansa Temple
Connected to Eunpyeong Hanok Village, offering pristine nature and world-recognized authentic temple cuisine.
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Yonggungsa Temple (Yeongjongdo)
The ultimate transit sanctuary: escape the airport terminals in 20 minutes to stroll beneath twin zelkova trees estimated at about 1,300 years old and hike to mountain ocean views.
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Jeondeungsa Temple
Traditionally dated to 381 AD. The combination of ancient zelkova trees, fortress stone walls, and sea breeze is unmatched.
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