ALL TEMPLES
Day visit or templestay: all temples compared
All 25 temples side by side, split into day visits only and temples that also offer overnight templestays. The Visit column shows which.
Templestay programs, languages and booking differ by temple and change often. Check the official booking link on each temple page.
Admission and English-friendliness in the table are the same checked values as on each temple page. Open a temple for opening hours, etiquette and a taxi card you can show a driver without speaking Korean.
| Temple | Region | Admission | English | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beopjusa Temple | Boeun (Chungbuk) | Free | High | Day visit or templestay |
| Beomeosa Temple | Busan | Free | High | Day visit or templestay |
| Haedong Yonggungsa Temple | Busan | Free | High | Day visit only |
| Jeondeungsa Temple | Ganghwa (Incheon) | Free | Medium | Day visit or templestay |
| Hwaeomsa Temple | Gurye, Jeonnam (Mt. Jirisan) | Free | Medium | Day visit or templestay |
| Bulguksa Temple | Gyeongju | Free | High | Day visit or templestay |
| Golgulsa Temple | Gyeongju | Free | High | Day visit or templestay |
| Musangsa Temple (International Zen Center) | Gyeryong, Chungnam | Free | High | Day visit or templestay |
| Mihwangsa Temple | Haenam, Jeonnam | Free | High | Day visit or templestay |
| Haeinsa Temple | Hapcheon (Gyeongnam) | Free | High | Day visit or templestay |
| Yonggungsa Temple (Yeongjongdo) | Incheon (Airport Area) | Free | Not yet confirmed | Day visit only |
| Baekyangsa Temple | Jangseong (Jeolla) | Free | Very High | Day visit or templestay |
| Woljeongsa Temple | Pyeongchang (Gangwon) | Free | High | Day visit or templestay |
| Yakcheonsa Temple | Seogwipo, Jeju | Free | High | Day visit or templestay |
| Bongeunsa Temple | Seoul | Free | High | Day visit or templestay |
| Gilsangsa Temple | Seoul | Free | Medium | Day visit or templestay |
| Jingwansa Temple | Seoul | Free | High | Day visit or templestay |
| Jogyesa Temple | Seoul | Free | High | Day visit or templestay |
| Geumsunsa Temple | Seoul (Bukhansan) | Free | High | Day visit or templestay |
| Hwagyesa Temple | Seoul (Gangbuk) | Free | High | Day visit or templestay |
| International Seon Center | Seoul (Mokdong) | Free | High | Day visit or templestay |
| Tongdosa Temple | Yangsan (Gyeongnam) | Free | High | Day visit or templestay |
| Naksansa Temple | Yangyang (Gangwon) | Free | High | Day visit or templestay |
| Buseoksa Temple | Yeongju (Gyeongbuk) | Free | Medium | Day visit only |
| Hyangiram Hermitage | Yeosu, Jeonnam | Adults 2,500 KRW / youth & military 1,500 KRW / children 1,000 KRW (individual rates; no charge for ages 70+, persons of national merit, disabled visitors and preschool children) | Medium | Day visit or templestay |
Beopjusa Temple 법주사
Home to Korea's only 5-story wooden pagoda (Palsangjeon) and a 33m Golden Buddha
A flat, peaceful forest stroll through Songnisan leading into a grand sanctuary featuring Korea's only wooden pagoda.
Getting there: Take an intercity bus to Songnisan Bus Terminal, then walk about 35 minutes (about 2.2 km) to Beopjusa. Check bus timetables with the operator.
Beopjusa Temple: Hours, etiquette and taxi card →Beomeosa Temple 범어사
The spiritual crown of Mt. Geumjeongsan, one of the three great temples of Yeongnam
A majestic mountain monastery easily accessible by Busan subway, famous for its wisteria valley and stone streams.
Getting there: From Busan Metro Line 1 Beomeosa Station, walk up the lane between Exits 5 and 7 (under 5 minutes) to the Beomeosa Entrance stop (B-I Mart) and take bus 90 to the Beomeosa ticket office stop (about 3.5 km from the station). Bus 90 also leaves from the stop outside Nopo Station Exit 2.
Beomeosa Temple: Hours, etiquette and taxi card →Haedong Yonggungsa Temple 해동용궁사
A rare seaside temple perched dramatically on rugged coastal ocean cliffs
Unlike most mountain temples, it sits directly on the ocean cliffs. Best visited at dawn to beat the dense daytime crowds.
Getting there: From Busan Metro Line 2 Haeundae Station, take bus 181 from the Haeundae Station stop to the Yonggungsa / National Institute of Fisheries Science stop and walk to the temple (about 50 minutes including walking). A taxi from Haeundae Station covers about 8 km and takes around 30 minutes in traffic (roughly 12,000 KRW).
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: Hours, etiquette and taxi card →Jeondeungsa Temple 전등사
An ancient temple inside the Samnangseong fortress, traditionally dated to 381
Traditionally dated to 381 AD. The combination of ancient zelkova trees, fortress stone walls, and sea breeze is unmatched.
Getting there: From the Sinchon Ogeori / Hyundai Department Store (median) stop or the Hongik Univ. Station (median) stop, take bus M6117 to Gurae Station, transfer to bus 70 and get off at Jeondeungsa (about a 10-minute walk from the East or South Gate stop).
Jeondeungsa Temple: Hours, etiquette and taxi card →Hwaeomsa Temple 화엄사
The grand Avatamsaka sanctuary nestled in Mt. Jirisan featuring National Treasure Gakhwangjeon
A majestic cathedral-scale mountain monastery in Mt. Jirisan National Park. Renowned for its towering Gakhwangjeon Hall, deep dawn chanting, the dark red plum blossoms beside Gakhwangjeon, and foreigner-friendly vegan culture.
Getting there: Take the KTX from Yongsan to Guryegu Station, then a taxi (about 25 minutes, about 14 km, roughly 18,000 KRW). From Gurye Bus Terminal in Gurye town, take a city bus or a taxi (about 10 minutes, per the temple).
Hwaeomsa Temple: Hours, etiquette and taxi card →Bulguksa Temple 불국사
The pinnacle of millennial Silla Buddhist art and stone architecture (UNESCO World Heritage)
Home to Dabotap, Seokgatap, and stone bridges embodying ancient Pure Land vision. Unrivaled historic gravitas.
Getting there: From the Gyeongju Station (KTX) stop outside KTX Gyeongju Station, express bus 1150 runs to the Bulguksa stop without a transfer (about 1 hour 5 minutes including walking, per Kakao Map). From the bus terminals in central Gyeongju, city buses 10 and 11 go to Bulguksa.
Bulguksa Temple: Hours, etiquette and taxi card →Golgulsa Temple 골굴사
The 'Shaolin of Korea', where you can train in Sunmudo martial arts and traditional Korean archery
If silent sitting feels restless, this is your place. Dynamic, full-body Sunmudo martial arts amid rocky cliffs.
Getting there: From KTX Gyeongju Station, take bus 50, 51, 70 or 71 toward downtown to the Express/Intercity Bus Terminal stop, transfer to bus 100 or 150 to the Andong / Girimsa Golgulsa Entrance stop, and walk about 15 minutes. A taxi from KTX Gyeongju Station or downtown Gyeongju takes about 40 minutes (per the temple).
Golgulsa Temple: Hours, etiquette and taxi card →Musangsa Temple (International Zen Center) 무상사
An authentic international Zen temple where Eastern wisdom meets global practitioners
An international Zen sanctuary with resident multinational monastic teachers, well suited to visitors seeking practice and guidance in English.
Getting there: Take the KTX from Yongsan to Gyeryong Station (about 1 hour 20 minutes), then a taxi (about 20 minutes, about 11,000 KRW) or bus 300, which runs between Gyeryong Station and Musangsa. Book train tickets early for weekends and holidays (per the temple).
Musangsa Temple (International Zen Center): Hours, etiquette and taxi card →Mihwangsa Temple 미황사
An old temple at the southern tip of the Korean peninsula, embracing West Sea sunsets beneath Mt. Dalma's rocky cliffs
One of Korea's most celebrated sunset temples, with dramatic rocky cliffs and the Dalmagodo Trail starting right at the temple.
Getting there: Take a KTX service from Yongsan to Mokpo (about 2 hours 20 minutes), transfer separately to Mokpo Bus Terminal, then take a bus to Haenam (about 1 hour). From Haenam Bus Terminal, allow about 35 minutes by taxi, or about 40 minutes on a local bus that stops at Mihwangsa plus a 10-minute walk from the Iljumun gate. Allow extra time for station transfers and waiting.
Mihwangsa Temple: Hours, etiquette and taxi card →Haeinsa Temple 해인사
Home to the 81,258 wooden printing blocks of the Tripitaka Koreana for over 600 years
Deep in Gayasan mountain. The architectural ventilation genius preserving 80,000 scripture blocks is a world marvel.
Getting there: From KTX Dongdaegu Station, take Daegu Metro Line 1 (toward Seolhwa-Myeonggok) to Seobu Bus Terminal Station, then take the intercity bus to Haeinsa from Seobu Bus Terminal (about 1 hour 40 minutes) and get off in front of Haeinsa. The temple's timetable dates from July 2023, so check before you go.
Haeinsa Temple: Hours, etiquette and taxi card →Yonggungsa Temple (Yeongjongdo) 영종도 용궁사
20 minutes from Incheon Airport: zelkovas estimated at about 1,300 years old and a legend of Wonhyo
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.
Getting there: Take a taxi from AREX Unseo Station (about 18 minutes, about 7 km, roughly 9,000 KRW) or from Incheon Airport Terminal 1 (about 20 minutes, about 13 km, roughly 13,000 KRW). Times and fares vary with traffic.
Yonggungsa Temple (Yeongjongdo): Hours, etiquette and taxi card →Baekyangsa Temple 백양사
Home to Master Jeong Kwan's world-renowned temple cuisine and fiery autumn maples
Featured on Netflix's Chef's Table. The reflection of Ssanggyeru pavilion on the pond is Korea's autumn postcard.
Getting there: Take a KTX service from Yongsan to Jeongeup Station (about 1 hour 30 minutes). From there, take a taxi to Baekyangsa (about 35 minutes, roughly 30,000 KRW), or walk about 10 minutes to Jeongeup Bus Terminal for a bus to Baekyangsa (about 35 minutes). Buses are infrequent, so allow time for waiting. Alternatively, take a Mugunghwa train from Yongsan to Baegyangsa Station (about 3 hours 55 minutes, per the temple) and continue by bus or taxi.
Baekyangsa Temple: Hours, etiquette and taxi card →Woljeongsa Temple 월정사
The fir forest trail known as the 'Thousand-Year Forest Path', leading to pristine Odaesan mountain silence
Walking barefoot through the 1km fir forest clears all mental clutter. A superb winter snowscape.
Getting there: Take the KTX from Seoul or Cheongnyangni Station to Jinbu (Odaesan) Station (about 1 hour 20 minutes); a taxi to Woljeongsa takes about 30 minutes for 12.4 km (about 21,000 KRW, per Kakao Map). From Jinbu Intercity Bus Terminal, a taxi takes about 15 minutes (about 18,000 KRW), or take the Woljeongsa/Sangwonsa bus from behind the drop-off area (about 20 minutes), get off at Woljeongsa and walk about 5 minutes. Times and fares vary with traffic.
Woljeongsa Temple: Hours, etiquette and taxi card →Yakcheonsa Temple 약천사
An imposing temple facing Jeju's sea, home to a vast main hall the temple calls the largest in Asia
Features palm-lined courtyards, open ocean views, and a towering 29-meter main hall that leaves international visitors in absolute awe.
Getting there: From the airport bus 600 stop at Jeju International Airport, take bus 600 to the Yakcheonsa / Yongsan Jeju Youth Hostel stop (about 1 hour 25 minutes including walking, 4,500 KRW, per Kakao Map).
Yakcheonsa Temple: Hours, etiquette and taxi card →Bongeunsa Temple 봉은사
A centuries-old oasis of silence standing amid Gangnam's skyscrapers
Facing COEX, an ideal spot to gaze upon the majestic stone Buddha and enjoy a quiet tea ceremony amidst city rush.
Getting there: Subway Line 9, Bongeunsa Station Exit 1 (1-minute walk to main gate).
Bongeunsa Temple: Hours, etiquette and taxi card →Gilsangsa Temple 길상사
A serene sanctuary steeped in Ven. Beopjeong's philosophy of Non-Possession
Originally a high-end historic banquet hall reborn as a temple. Offers the deepest silence and philosophical headspace in Seoul.
Getting there: From Subway Line 4 Hansung University Station Exit 6, take neighborhood bus Seongbuk 02 to the 9th stop, Gilsangsa. Or take neighborhood bus Seongbuk 03 or bus 1111, 1112 or 2112 to the 'Seongbuk-gu Museum / Ssangdari' stop and walk about 10 minutes along the main road.
Gilsangsa Temple: Hours, etiquette and taxi card →Jingwansa Temple 진관사
A millennial nun monastery at the foot of Bukhansan, renowned for temple food
Connected to Eunpyeong Hanok Village, offering pristine nature and a renowned temple-food tradition.
Getting there: From Subway Line 3 Gupabal Station take bus 7723, or from Yeonsinnae Station (Lines 3/6) take bus 7211, 701 or 709, to the Hana High School / Samcheonsa / Jingwansa Entrance stop and walk to the temple (about 30 minutes from Gupabal Station including walking). A temple shuttle also runs from Yeonsinnae Station Exit 3 (in front of Hana Bank); check the timetable on the temple website.
Jingwansa Temple: Hours, etiquette and taxi card →Jogyesa Temple 조계사
The spiritual heart of Korean Buddhism in the bustling center of Seoul
Right next to Insadong, the easiest entry point for first-timers to experience Korean Buddhist atmosphere and lantern culture.
Getting there: Subway Line 1, Jonggak Station (Exit 2, 5-minute walk) or Line 3, Anguk Station (Exit 6, 7-minute walk).
Jogyesa Temple: Hours, etiquette and taxi card →Geumsunsa Temple 금선사
A deep mountain sanctuary in Seoul offering English-friendly meditation below Bibong Peak
Just 25 mins by bus from Gwanghwamun yet feels like a remote mountain retreat. Fluent English-speaking master monk and pine forest walking meditation make it a top-rated Seoul experience.
Getting there: From the stop at Subway Line 3 Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 3, take bus 7212 to the Ibuk Odocheong stop and walk uphill (about 55 minutes including walking, per Kakao Map).
Geumsunsa Temple: Hours, etiquette and taxi card →Hwagyesa Temple 화계사
A Seoul temple long linked with Zen Master Seung Sahn and his international disciples
A temple closely tied to Zen Master Seung Sahn and his many international students, home to an active International Zen Center along the scenic Bukhansan Dulegil Trail.
Getting there: From Ui-Sinseol LRT Hwagye Station Exit 2, walk straight toward Hwagyesa for about 15 minutes. Or take green neighborhood bus No. 2 from Line 4 Suyu Station Exit 3, or bus 151, 121 or 1165, to the Hanshin University stop and walk about 10 minutes toward the mountain.
Hwagyesa Temple: Hours, etiquette and taxi card →International Seon Center 국제선센터
The modern international Zen hub in Seoul specifically built for global travelers
A modern urban center with English-language programs, about 20 minutes by Subway Line 5 from Gimpo Airport plus a 10-minute walk from Omokgyo Station.
Getting there: Walk about 10 minutes (about 650 m) from Subway Line 5 Omokgyo Station Exit 8. From Incheon Airport, take airport bus 6018 to the Sinjeonggyo Entrance stop and walk 7–8 minutes (about 400 m).
International Seon Center: Hours, etiquette and taxi card →Tongdosa Temple 통도사
One of Korea's Three Jewel Temples, enshrining actual Buddha relics without an altar statue
Enshrines genuine Buddha relics in its Diamond Altar instead of statues. The pine-scented Mupunghansong trail is sublime.
Getting there: From the stop outside KTX Ulsan Station, take bus 314 (or 13) to the Sinpyeong Terminal stop, transfer to bus Jisan 1, get off at the Jisan Village stop and walk to the temple (about 1 hour 20 minutes including walking, per Kakao Map). Check routes and frequency in a map app.
Tongdosa Temple: Hours, etiquette and taxi card →Naksansa Temple 낙산사
Where the colossal seaside Guan Yin statue watches over the crashing East Sea waves
Watching the sunrise over the East Sea from Uisangdae pavilion and meditating to wave rhythms at Hongryeonam hermitage.
Getting there: Take an intercity or express bus to Yangyang Intercity Bus Terminal, then city bus 9 or 9-1 to the Naksan stop and walk to the temple (about 30 minutes including walking, per Kakao Map). A taxi from the terminal takes about 8 minutes (about 4 km, roughly 7,000 KRW).
Naksansa Temple: Hours, etiquette and taxi card →Buseoksa Temple 부석사
The sublime sunset view over Sobaeksan mountains framed by the famous wooden entasis pillars
Standing in front of Muryangsujeon Hall at dusk, watching mountain ridges ripple away into the golden sunset.
Getting there: From the stop outside KTX Punggi Station, bus 27 (or 127/327; 28 on holidays) runs to the Buseoksa stop without a transfer (about 1 hour including walking, per Kakao Map). From Yeongju Station, take bus 1 to the Sanga Market stop and transfer to bus 55 or 155 (about 1 hour 10 minutes).
Buseoksa Temple: Hours, etiquette and taxi card →Hyangiram Hermitage 향일암
A cliffside sanctuary facing the vast southern sea horizon and rising sun
Perched dramatically on sheer coastal cliffs, offering breathtaking ocean sunrises reached through narrow natural rock gateways.
Getting there: From a stop near KTX Yeosu-Expo Station, take city bus 111 or 111-1 to the Impo (Hyangiram) stop and walk up (about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours including walking, per Kakao Map). The hermitage's own page lists the direct bus 111 for the first morning bus only and transfers otherwise, so check the route in Kakao Map before you go. A taxi from the station takes about 40 minutes (about 26 km, roughly 23,000 KRW).
Hyangiram Hermitage: Hours, etiquette and taxi card →