Seon

KOREAN 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.

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Recommended temples

Daeungjeon Main Hall courtyard in downtown Seoul
Daeungjeon Main Hall courtyard in downtown Seoul. Photo: Francisco Anzola, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons. Cropped to fit the display.

Jogyesa Temple

Right next to Insadong, the easiest entry point for first-timers to experience Korean Buddhist atmosphere and lantern culture.

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Maitreya Great Buddha statue framed by Gangnam skyline
Maitreya Great Buddha statue framed by Gangnam skyline. Photo: kallerna, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons. Cropped to fit the display.

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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Serene forested temple grounds in Seongbuk-dong
Serene forested temple grounds in Seongbuk-dong. Photo: S h y numis, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons. Cropped to fit the display.

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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Daeungjeon Hall nestled at the foot of Mt. Bukhansan
Daeungjeon Hall nestled at the foot of Mt. Bukhansan. Photo: Mobius6, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons. Cropped to fit the display.

Jingwansa Temple

Connected to Eunpyeong Hanok Village, offering pristine nature and world-recognized authentic temple cuisine.

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Temple shrine and grounds with zelkovas estimated around 1,300 years old on Mt. Baegun
Temple shrine and grounds with zelkovas estimated around 1,300 years old on Mt. Baegun. Photo: User:Piotrus, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons. Cropped to fit the display.

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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Daeungbojeon Hall inside historic Samnangseong Fortress
Daeungbojeon Hall inside historic Samnangseong Fortress. Photo: Mobius6, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons. Cropped to fit the display.

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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See all 25 temples on the map →Before you go: etiquette and what to bring →