SEOUL
Temples in Seoul you can visit by subway and bus
These are the 7 temples within Seoul. You can reach them by subway and bus without a car, so they fit between other plans in the city.
The directions are the checked public transport notes from each temple page. Temples on mountain slopes can involve a longer walk from the station, so check the temple page as well.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 →