SEASONS
Korean temples by season
The same temple can feel like a different place in each season. This page groups seasonal notes for 25 temples and 52 festivals that usually take place there.
Select a temple name for its opening hours, admission and directions.
Festival timing changes from year to year, and many follow the lunar calendar. These are typical seasons, not confirmed dates: check the temple’s own notices before you plan around an event.
Spring
- Jogyesa Temple
Mesmerizing sea of lotus lanterns; vibrant cultural parades through Jongno.
Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeondeunghoe) 부처님오신날 연등축제 (연등회)
Spring (May / Lunar Apr 8)
Tens of thousands of colorful handmade lotus lanterns illuminate the courtyard with grand street parades.
- Bongeunsa Temple
Traditional paper lanterns glow brilliantly against the futuristic COEX towers at dusk.
Traditional Hanji Lantern Exhibition 전통등 전시회 & 봉축 연등제
Spring (Apr - May)
Large-scale glowing paper lanterns illuminating the hillside path against Gangnam skyscrapers.
- Gilsangsa Temple
Gentle mountain wild flowers and budding leaves around the stone Avalokiteshvara statue.
Ven. Beopjeong Memorial Service 법정스님 추모 다례재
Spring (Mar / Lunar Jan 26)
Poetic acoustic concerts and readings from his essays on Non-Possession.
- Jingwansa Temple
Wild spring flowers bloom along the mountain stream; fresh herbal temple cuisine.
Spring Temple Food Tasting Festival 봄맞이 사찰음식 나눔 축제
Spring (May)
Nuns present seasonal wild greens collected from Bukhansan valleys.
- Yonggungsa Temple (Yeongjongdo)
Pleasant breezy weather for the summit trail overlooking Incheon Airport.
- Jeondeungsa Temple
Ancient ginkgo trees sprout fresh green leaves; pleasant island breeze.
Buddha's Birthday Fortress Illumination 봉축 연등문화제
Spring (May)
Fortress ramparts lit with hundreds of traditional lanterns.
- Beomeosa Temple
Wisteria forest in full lavender bloom; refreshing mountain green tea.
Seon Tea Cultural Festival 선다(禪茶) 문화축제
Spring (May)
Hands-on tastings of artisan Korean green tea alongside meditation guidance.
- Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Lanterns illuminate the coastal rocks; mild ocean breezes.
Coastal Lotus Lantern Illumination 해안 봉축 연등제
Spring (May)
Hundreds of lanterns line the ocean bridge and stone pagodas by the sea.
- Bulguksa Temple
Cherry blossoms around the entrance pond and pink azaleas on Mt. Toham.
Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Season 신라 벚꽃 축제
Spring (April)
Spectacular cherry blossoms frame the lotus pond and historic bridges.
- Golgulsa Temple
Ideal weather for climbing the rock shrines and outdoor martial arts sessions.
Annual Seonmudo Martial Arts Festival 전통 무예 선무도 산사예술제
May & October
National and global masters gather for martial acrobatics, archery, and swordsmanship.
- Tongdosa Temple
Historic red plum blossoms bloom first in Korea; refreshing pine stream walk.
- Haeinsa Temple
Tripitaka Koreana head-carrying procession; mountain cherry blossoms.
Tripitaka Head-Carrying Festival 고려대장경의 날 기념 정대불사
Spring (April / Lunar Mar)
Participants carry replica scripture woodblocks on their heads in prayer.
- Woljeongsa Temple
Melting mountain streams and blooming wildflowers along the fir trail.
- Naksansa Temple
Warm ocean breezes and fresh pine greenery along coastal cliff walks.
Avalokiteshvara Ocean Lantern Festival 관음재일 바다 연등제
Spring (May)
Cliffside paths illuminated with lanterns overlooking the crashing waves.
- Buseoksa Temple
Delicate apple blossoms blooming along the entrance road; mild mountain breezes.
- Beopjusa Temple
Refreshing forest air and historic Palsangjeon wooden pagoda celebrations.
Palsangjeon Pagoda Circumambulation 팔상전 탑돌이 재현 행사
Spring (May)
Monks and lay practitioners walk circles around the five-story wooden pagoda carrying lanterns.
- Musangsa Temple (International Zen Center)
Quiet mountain renewal; ideal time for first-time weekend retreat participants.
- Baekyangsa Temple
Fresh mountain greens harvest; peaceful spring waters reflecting in the pond.
- Yakcheonsa Temple
Subtropical flowers and sweet spring air facing the sea.
Daejeokgwangjeon Buddha's Birthday Illumination 대적광전 봉축 연등 점등대법회
May
Thousands of lanterns lit across the main hall's multi-tiered interior balconies.
- Hyangiram Hermitage
Pink camellia flowers bloom along the cliff paths; clear horizon views.
South Sea Avalokiteshvara & Dragon King Prayer 남해 해수관음 용왕대재
Spring & Autumn
Traditional ceremonies honoring the ocean protectors on sheer cliff rocks.
- Geumsunsa Temple
Fresh mountain streams running through the valley; blooming cherry blossoms along the path.
Bibong Peak Music & 108 Bows Festival 북한산 비봉 산사음악회 & 108배 명상축제
May & October
Bamboo flute music in the pine grove and guided 108 bows in English.
- International Seon Center
Lotus lantern craft workshops and fresh seasonal temple food demonstrations.
Urban Buddha's Birthday Lantern Fair 도심 봉축 연등 문화축제
May
Hands-on lotus lantern making and vegetarian culinary workshops.
- Hwagyesa Temple
Spring walking meditation along Bukhansan Dulegil Section 4; gentle breezes.
White Cloud Trail Walking Meditation Day 북한산 둘레길 흰구름길 걷기명상 축제
April & October
Mindful walking meditation along the shaded forest streams.
- Hwaeomsa Temple
The famous red plum beside Gakhwangjeon blooms from mid-March; sweet fragrances in the mountain air.
Hwaeomsa Dark Red Plum Blossom Festival 화엄사 천연기념물 홍매화 축제
March (Blooming Season)
Celebrating the dark crimson plum tree standing beside Gakhwangjeon, which blooms from mid-March.
- Mihwangsa Temple
Camellia flowers bloom along the subtropical Dalmagodo hiking path.
Summer
- Jogyesa Temple
Cool evening visits recommended; blooming lotus flower displays in the courtyard.
Baekjung Lotus Flower Festival 하안거 백중 생명나눔 연꽃축제
Summer (Jul - Aug)
Daeungjeon courtyard transformed into a pond of blooming lotus flowers in earthenware pots.
- Bongeunsa Temple
Shaded pine forest hill walks behind the Mireukdaebul statue offer cool evening breezes.
- Gilsangsa Temple
Cool, shaded forest ravine; best spot in Seoul to escape urban heat in complete silence.
- Jingwansa Temple
The mountain stream valley next to the temple is lush, clear, and cool.
- Yonggungsa Temple (Yeongjongdo)
Deep shade provided by the massive twin zelkova trees, estimated at about 1,300 years old.
Ancient Zelkova Blessing Ceremony 천년 느티나무 풍어·안녕 기원제
Summer (June)
Honoring the twin protected heritage trees, estimated at about 1,300 years old.
- Jeondeungsa Temple
Cool shade beneath the historic forest inside the ancient fortress walls.
- Beomeosa Temple
Granite boulder valley streams offer refreshing cool air for hikers.
- Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Best visited at 05:00 - 07:00 AM for sunrise to beat heat and crowds.
- Bulguksa Temple
Lush green pine forest canopy; cool morning temperatures.
- Golgulsa Temple
Energizing summer martial arts camps attracting practitioners from around the globe.
- Tongdosa Temple
Shaded pine forest provides cool temperatures; valley stream runs clear.
- Haeinsa Temple
Hongnyudong valley walk provides cool mountain breezes and crystal water.
- Woljeongsa Temple
Cool, shaded forest trail; barefoot walking on smooth earthy paths.
- Naksansa Temple
Sunrise meditation followed by surfing or swimming at nearby Naksan Beach.
- Buseoksa Temple
Cool shade in the ancient wooden halls; terraced views over green mountain valleys.
- Beopjusa Temple
The dense Ori-sup canopy keeps walking temperatures cool even in midsummer.
- Musangsa Temple (International Zen Center)
Summer Kyol Che 90-day intensive meditation in session; profound silence.
Kyol Che 90-Day Intensive Zen Retreat 계룡산 안거 집중참선 (결제)
Summer (Jun - Aug) & Winter (Dec - Feb)
3-month continuous Zen retreat attracting serious practitioners from around the world.
- Baekyangsa Temple
Cool shaded paths beneath the ancient trees along the crystal-clear stream.
- Yakcheonsa Temple
Refreshing ocean breezes; clean cold medicinal spring water at the dragon pavilion.
- Hyangiram Hermitage
Best visited at 5 AM to witness sunrise over the sea before summer heat.
- Geumsunsa Temple
Forest canopy provides natural cooling; meditation in the shaded rock cave.
- International Seon Center
Air-conditioned modern indoor meditation halls offer cool sanctuary from summer humidity.
- Hwagyesa Temple
Shaded valley stream with cool water; active international community gatherings.
- Hwaeomsa Temple
Deep Jirisan valley streams offer cool temperatures; wild green tea harvests.
- Mihwangsa Temple
Cool evening coastal breezes.
Autumn
- Jogyesa Temple
Best photo season; thousands of fragrant yellow and orange chrysanthemums on display.
Chrysanthemum Flower Festival 조계사 국화화엄축제
Autumn (Oct - Nov)
Elaborate floral sculptures shaped like dragons, elephants, and pagodas filling downtown Seoul with fragrance.
- Bongeunsa Temple
Golden ginkgo leaves frame the stone pagodas; pleasant weather for the outdoor tea ceremony.
Bongeunsa Founding Festival & Arts Fair 봉은사 개산대재 & 산사예술제
Autumn (Sep - Oct)
Historic reenactments and traditional Korean music performances in the courtyard.
- Gilsangsa Temple
The peak season for photography and poetry; unforgettable maple leaves surrounding wooden hanoks.
Autumn Foliage Contemplation Week 성북동 가을 단풍 사색 주간
Autumn (Late Oct - Nov)
The forested hillside bursts into flaming crimson and gold foliage.
- Jingwansa Temple
National Intangible Cultural Heritage Suryukjae festival; fiery Bukhansan maple trees.
Jingwansa Suryukjae (National Heritage) 진관사 국행수륙재
Autumn (October)
Royal Joseon ritual to comfort spirits and pray for world peace with court dance and music.
- Yonggungsa Temple (Yeongjongdo)
Golden foliage along the forest approach road; crisp Yellow Sea sunsets.
- Jeondeungsa Temple
Spectacular red maples and ancient yellow ginkgoes covering the fortress trails.
Samnangseong Fortress Culture Festival 삼랑성 역사문화축제
Autumn (October)
Martial arts reenactments and traditional court concerts inside the fortress.
- Beomeosa Temple
Peak foliage season on Mt. Geumjeongsan; vibrant temple arts festivals.
Beomeosa Gaesan Festival 범어사 개산대재 & 산사예술제
Autumn (October)
Grand celebration with outdoor tea ceremonies and Buddhist orchestra concerts.
- Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Crisp clear skies with deep blue East Sea waters and golden sunsets.
- Bulguksa Temple
World-famous autumn leaves framing Dabotap and Seokgatap pagodas.
Bulguksa Gaesan Festival & Yeongsanjae 불국사 개산대재 & 영산재
Autumn (October)
UNESCO intangible cultural heritage Buddhist dance and sacred music.
- Golgulsa Temple
Crisp mountain air, colorful foliage, and the grand October Seonmudo Festival.
- Tongdosa Temple
Immense chrysanthemum exhibition transforms the entire monastic complex.
Yeongchuk Cultural Festival & Chrysanthemums 영축문화축제 & 국화 전시회
Autumn (Sep - Oct)
Hundreds of thousands of chrysanthemums and Buddhist art displays.
- Haeinsa Temple
One of the top 3 autumn foliage destinations in Korea; flaming red maples.
Haeinsa Autumn Foliage & Music Festival 가야산 해인사 개산대재 & 단풍제
Autumn (October)
Classical concerts held in the mountain courtyard surrounded by crimson maples.
- Woljeongsa Temple
Odaesan foliage turns brilliant early in October; signature forest concerts.
Odaesan Mountain Cultural Festival 오대산 문화축전
Autumn (October)
Forest concerts, art installations among fir trees, and tea ceremonies.
- Naksansa Temple
Crystal-clear blue skies and transparent East Sea horizon views.
- Buseoksa Temple
The golden age of Buseoksa: golden ginkgoes and Korea's most beautiful sunset.
Buseoksa Music Festival & Apple Fair 영주 부석사 산사음악회 & 사과축제
Autumn (Late October)
Orchestral music at Anyangru combined with local sweet honey apple harvest.
Anyangru Sunset Contemplation Season 안양루 석양 명상 주간
Autumn (September - November)
Guided silent contemplation as the sun sets over nine layers of mountain silhouettes.
- Beopjusa Temple
Golden ginkgoes and red maples surround the giant bronze Buddha statue.
Songnisan Myth Festival & Moonlight Walk 속리산 신화여행축제 & 오리숲 달빛 걷기
Autumn (October)
Evening walks along the 2km forest path lined with illuminated art lanterns.
- Musangsa Temple (International Zen Center)
Stunning Gyeryongsan foliage; open house events with international monastics.
Zen Master Seung Sahn Commemoration & Open House 숭산 대선사 추모 다례재 & 오픈데이
November
Multinational gathering celebrating the pioneer of global Korean Zen.
- Baekyangsa Temple
Korea's most famous autumn foliage destination; Chef's Table gastronomy events.
Baekyangsa Temple Food Cultural Festival 백양사 사찰음식 축제 with 정관스님
Late Oct - Early Nov
Global culinary presentations, natural sauce tastings, and workshops by Buddhist master chefs.
Baegamsan Autumn Baby Maple Festival 백암산 백양단풍축제
Late Oct - Early Nov
Peak foliage season where delicate baby maples paint the valley in crimson and gold.
- Yakcheonsa Temple
Ripe orange tangerines surrounding the temple; peak walking season for Olle 8.
Jeju Olle Trail Route 8 Healing Walking Week 제주 올레 8코스 걷기 힐링 위크
October - November
Walking festivals through tangerine orchards connecting to coastal cliffs.
- Hyangiram Hermitage
Crisp autumn skies and panoramic visibility across hundreds of southern islands.
- Geumsunsa Temple
Peak autumn foliage on Mt. Bukhansan; crisp mountain air and clear skies.
- International Seon Center
Global Templestay Week; perfect season to learn Ganhwa Seon meditation.
Global Templestay Week for Foreign Travelers 글로벌 템플스테이 위크
September - October
Special week-long cultural immersion program with discounted rates and multilingual volunteers.
- Hwagyesa Temple
Vibrant red maples framing the international zen center; founder memorial celebrations.
Zen Master Seung Sahn Memorial & Global Sangha Day 숭산 대선사 추모 다례재 & 세계 승가대회
November
Multinational gathering of international monastics honoring the pioneer of global Zen.
- Hwaeomsa Temple
Korea's most colossal mountain cultural festival; breathtaking Jirisan autumn colors.
Jirisan Hwaeom Cultural Festival & Evening Concert 지리산 화엄문화제 & 산사음악회
October
Symphony orchestra and traditional pansori concerts beneath the giant wooden facade of Gakhwangjeon.
- Mihwangsa Temple
Breathtaking October Gwaebul festival and the golden sunsets over Mt. Dalma.
Mihwangsa Gwaebul Banner Festival 미황사 괘불재
October
Once a year the 11.7-meter hanging Buddhist painting (Treasure, painted in 1727) is raised in the courtyard for a Dharma ceremony with traditional performances and music.
Mt. Dalma Sunset Contemplation Season 달마산 서해 낙조 감상 시기
September - November
Golden sunsets reflecting across the Yellow Sea against the rocky mountain ridge.
Winter
- Jogyesa Temple
Crisp winter air with festive lantern lighting and peaceful hot tea at the temple cafe.
New Year Wish Lantern Lighting 새해맞이 소원등 점등 및 타종
Winter (Dec 31)
Midnight lantern lighting and prayers welcoming the solar new year.
- Bongeunsa Temple
Atmospheric snowy paths up to the great Buddha statue; warm hospitality at the traditional tea house.
New Year's Eve Bell Striking 새해맞이 제야의 종 타종식
Winter (Dec 31)
33 bell strikes at midnight with warm tea distribution for thousands of visitors.
- Gilsangsa Temple
Quiet snow-blanketed pavilions and hot jujube tea at Dahyang Heon.
- Jingwansa Temple
Peaceful white snow contrasting with dark wooden roofs and ceramic fermentation pots.
- Yonggungsa Temple (Yeongjongdo)
Great layover destination to enjoy winter silence between long flights.
Mt. Baegun Sunrise Festival 백운산 해맞이 축제
New Year (Jan 1)
Welcoming the first dawn over the Yellow Sea and Incheon Bridge.
- Jeondeungsa Temple
Historic stone walls dusted with white snow overlooking the coastal mudflats.
- Beomeosa Temple
Quiet spiritual sanctuary; easy escape from Busan's bustling downtown.
- Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Epic winter sunrises directly behind the stone pagoda on the rocks.
New Year Ocean Sunrise Festival 동해 해맞이 축제
New Year (Jan 1)
Watching the first red sun rise directly out of the East Sea horizon.
- Bulguksa Temple
Serene snow-covered stone masonry terraces; zero crowds early morning.
- Golgulsa Temple
Winter cave meditation and warm herbal tea by the wood fire.
Winter Seonmudo Intensive Camp 동계 선무도 집중 명상 캠프
Winter (Dec - Jan)
Multi-day intensive training in Qigong, breathwork, and cave meditation.
- Tongdosa Temple
Quiet spiritual atmosphere; crisp mountain light reflecting on ancient stone stupas.
Jajangmae Red Plum Blossom Bloom 자장매(홍매화) 개화 시즌
Late Winter (Feb - Mar)
370-year-old dark pink plum tree blooming against dark wooden halls.
- Haeinsa Temple
Silent mountain monastery covered in pristine snow; profound quiet.
- Woljeongsa Temple
Breathtaking snowy wonderland; pristine silence under snow-laden firs.
- Naksansa Temple
Spectacular red winter sunrises directly out of the ocean.
Naksansa East Sea Sunrise Festival 양양 낙산사 동해 해맞이 축제
New Year (Jan 1)
National sunrise celebration at Uisangdae Pavilion.
- Buseoksa Temple
Sublime mountain silence and snow-draped wooden curves of Muryangsujeon.
- Beopjusa Temple
Pristine mountain snow scenes against granite rock peaks of Mt. Songnisan.
- Musangsa Temple (International Zen Center)
Winter Kyol Che retreat; deep snow, warm ondol rooms, and silent mindfulness.
- Baekyangsa Temple
Breathtaking snowy rock face of Baekhakbong towering over Ssanggyeru.
- Yakcheonsa Temple
Mild Jeju winter temperatures with blooming red camellias and green palm trees.
- Hyangiram Hermitage
Famous national New Year sunrise festival; dress warmly against coastal winds.
Yeosu Hyangiram New Year Sunrise Festival 여수 향일암 일출제
New Year (Dec 31 - Jan 1)
One of Korea's top 3 sunrise celebrations on sheer cliffs overlooking the southern sea.
- Geumsunsa Temple
Snowy mountain monastery ambiance with warm, cozy ondol heated rooms.
New Year Bibong Sunrise Peace Bell Striking 비봉 해맞이 평화 기원 타종
January 1
Early morning hike and bell ceremony welcoming the first light over Seoul.
- International Seon Center
Warm, modern comfortable facilities with Western twin beds and private showers.
- Hwagyesa Temple
Peaceful mountain retreat in the snow; cozy tea sessions with foreign monks.
- Hwaeomsa Temple
Magnificent snow scenes on Gakhwangjeon.
- Mihwangsa Temple
Mild southern coastal winter climate; ideal for quiet reflection and writing.