Seoul, a bustling metropolis renowned for its modernity, is also a city steeped in rich cultural heritage, where ancient Buddhist temples stand as serene oases amidst the urban landscape. Temple visits and temple stays offer travelers an opportunity to step back from the fast pace of daily life and immerse themselves in South Korea’s spiritual traditions. Whether you are seeking a peaceful retreat, a spiritual awakening, or a unique cultural experience, these temples and temple stays in and near Seoul provide an incredible journey into the heart of Korean Buddhism.
1. Jogyesa Temple: The Heart of Korean Buddhism
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Overview
Located in the heart of Seoul’s busy Jongno district, Jogyesa Temple is the center of Korean Buddhism and one of the most accessible temples for visitors. Founded in 1395 during the Goryeo Dynasty and reconstructed in 1910, Jogyesa is the headquarters of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Its stunning architecture, ancient trees, and vibrant festivals make it a must-visit temple for anyone interested in the country’s spiritual traditions.
What to Expect
Jogyesa Temple is an active place of worship, with monks conducting daily rituals and ceremonies. Visitors can observe prayers, partake in temple offerings, or simply enjoy the peaceful environment. The temple complex includes a magnificent main hall, Daeungjeon, where a large Buddha statue sits in quiet meditation. Throughout the year, Jogyesa hosts festivals, including the Lotus Lantern Festival in May, where the temple is adorned with thousands of colorful lanterns to celebrate Buddha’s birthday.
Temple Stay Program
While Jogyesa does not have an overnight temple stay program, it offers a variety of cultural programs, including templestyle meditation, tea ceremonies, and Buddhist art workshops, giving visitors a taste of monastic life without needing to stay overnight.
Pro Tip
Plan your visit around Buddha’s birthday in May to witness the spectacular Lotus Lantern Festival. It’s an experience that combines spiritual reflection with cultural celebration, making it an unforgettable event.
2. Bongeunsa Temple: A Haven of Tranquility in the City
Overview
Located in the upscale Gangnam district, Bongeunsa Temple provides a peaceful contrast to its modern surroundings. Established in 794 during the Shilla Dynasty, Bongeunsa is one of Seoul’s largest temples and offers an extensive temple stay program that allows visitors to experience the quiet contemplation of monastic life.
What to Expect
As you enter Bongeunsa, you’ll be greeted by a massive statue of Maitreya Buddha, standing 23 meters tall and looking over the city. The temple complex includes beautifully preserved wooden buildings, tranquil gardens, and serene courtyards, where monks chant, meditate, and engage in daily practices. Despite its location near the hustle and bustle of Coex Mall, the temple retains an air of calm and quiet.
Temple Stay Program
Bongeunsa offers one of the most comprehensive temple stay programs in Seoul. Participants can engage in various activities, such as seon meditation, Buddhist services, 108 prostrations, and dado (Korean tea ceremony). The program is designed to provide insight into Buddhist teachings, foster inner peace, and offer a break from the pressures of city life.
Pro Tip
If you don’t have time for an overnight stay, Bongeunsa offers a short one-day temple stay program that includes meditation, chanting, and a temple tour. It’s a perfect introduction to Buddhism for busy travelers.
3. Hwagyesa Temple: A Hidden Gem in the Mountains
Overview
Located at the foot of Samgaksan Mountain in northern Seoul, Hwagyesa Temple is a lesser-known yet spiritually significant temple that offers a quiet refuge for those seeking peace and tranquility. Founded in 1522 by Zen Master Shinwol, Hwagyesa is renowned for its focus on meditation and its beautiful natural surroundings.
What to Expect
Hwagyesa’s secluded location makes it an ideal spot for meditation and contemplation. The temple is surrounded by lush forests and offers breathtaking views of the mountains. It’s particularly popular with those who want to experience a more meditative atmosphere, away from the busier temples in the city center. The temple’s grounds are simple and serene, with a notable three-story stone pagoda and several meditation halls.
Temple Stay Program
Hwagyesa is well-known for its intensive meditation retreats, including multi-day programs focused on seon meditation (Korean Zen). The temple stay experience here is centered around silence, mindfulness, and deep inner reflection. Participants follow a strict schedule that includes early morning meditation, chanting, vegetarian meals, and time for quiet contemplation.
Pro Tip
If you are looking for a more immersive meditation experience, Hwagyesa offers longer retreats that extend beyond the typical weekend program. These intensive stays are perfect for those who wish to delve deeper into meditation practice.
4. Gilsangsa Temple: A Temple of Healing and Reflection
Overview
Located in the quiet Seongbuk-dong neighborhood of northern Seoul, Gilsangsa Temple is a modern temple with a unique history. Established in 1997, Gilsangsa was once a high-end restaurant before being donated to Buddhist monk Beopjeong Sunim, who transformed it into a temple focused on healing and education.
What to Expect
Gilsangsa’s peaceful atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make it a popular spot for Seoul residents seeking respite from the stresses of urban life. The temple features well-manicured gardens, traditional architecture, and meditation halls that blend harmoniously with the natural environment. Gilsangsa features healing programs and mindfulness workshops, which focus on helping participants achieve inner peace and emotional well-being.
Temple Stay Program
Gilsangsa offers a variety of programs designed for people of all ages, including healing meditation, stress relief workshops, and Buddhist philosophy classes. The temple stay program here emphasizes self-reflection and personal growth, making it a great option for those who are new to meditation or seeking emotional healing.
Pro Tip
Gilsangsa is a great place to visit during the autumn months, when the temple’s gardens are ablaze with vibrant fall foliage. It’s also one of the few temples that offer programs specifically designed for foreigners, so don’t hesitate to ask for English-language materials.
5. Myogaksa Temple: A Spiritual Retreat in the Heart of Seoul
Overview
Tucked away in the densely populated Dongdaemun district, Myogaksa Temple offers a surprising retreat from the city’s busy streets. Founded in 1930, Myogaksa is a relatively young temple, but it has gained a reputation for its engaging temple stay programs and welcoming atmosphere for international visitors.
What to Expect
Myogaksa is smaller than some of the other temples on this list, but it has a cozy and intimate charm. The temple is built on the slopes of Naksan Mountain, offering stunning views of the surrounding area. Visitors can explore the main prayer hall, Daeungjeon, and the various meditation spaces, which are designed to foster reflection and relaxation.
Temple Stay Program
Myogaksa offers a range of temple stay programs that include meditation, chanting, and traditional Buddhist ceremonies. The temple is particularly welcoming to foreign visitors, with English-speaking monks and temple stay programs designed to introduce non-Koreans to Buddhist practices. Participants can engage in mala bead-making, Buddhist lectures, and meditative walking in the surrounding mountains.
Pro Tip
Because of its central location, Myogaksa is easily accessible for travelers staying in the heart of Seoul. The temple’s programs are also flexible, allowing visitors to participate in activities for just a few hours if they don’t have time for an overnight stay.
6. Beomeosa Temple: An Ancient Mountain Temple
Overview
Located on the outskirts of Busan, Beomeosa Temple is one of South Korea’s most important Buddhist temples and offers an incredible temple stay experience just a few hours from Seoul. Founded in 678 during the reign of King Munmu, Beomeosa is nestled in the mountains and surrounded by dense forests, making it a tranquil destination for those seeking both natural beauty and spiritual practice.
What to Expect
Beomeosa is an architectural masterpiece, with its ancient gates, pagodas, and beautifully adorned halls set against the backdrop of Mount Geumjeongsan. Visitors can explore the temple’s grounds, which include a series of stunning prayer halls, a three-story stone pagoda, and peaceful courtyards perfect for meditation. The temple is also home to a large community of monks, making it an active center for Buddhist practice.
Temple Stay Program
Beomeosa offers a traditional temple stay program focused on meditation, Buddhist rituals, and monastic life. Participants follow a structured schedule that includes pre-dawn meditation, chanting, and communal meals. The temple stay experience at Beomeosa is an opportunity to step back from the modern world and immerse yourself in the rhythms of monastic life.
Pro Tip
While Beomeosa is located in Busan, it is easily accessible by train from Seoul. Consider adding a few days in Busan to your travel itinerary to experience both the vibrant coastal city and the peaceful retreat of Beomeosa Temple.
7. Magoksa Temple: A Serene Riverside Sanctuary
Overview
Nestled along the banks of the Taehwa River in the Chungcheongnam-do province, Magoksa Temple is a quiet retreat surrounded by picturesque nature. Founded in the late 9th century, Magoksa is known for its beautiful setting, where the flowing river and lush forests create an atmosphere of serenity and contemplation.
What to Expect
Magoksa’s scenic location makes it one of the most peaceful temple experiences in Korea. The temple grounds are filled with ancient trees, tranquil streams, and well-preserved historical structures. Visitors can explore the five-story stone pagoda, Daeungjeon Hall, and the numerous meditation pavilions scattered throughout the forested hillside.
Temple Stay Program
Magoksa offers a relaxed and nature-focused temple stay program. Participants can engage in walking meditation, sutra copying, and silent reflection along the riverside. The temple’s peaceful environment and emphasis on nature make it an ideal destination for those seeking spiritual renewal in a natural setting.
Pro Tip
Magoksa is a bit off the beaten path, but it’s worth the journey for its stunning natural beauty. Plan to visit in the spring or autumn when the temple’s surroundings are at their most picturesque.
8. Baengnyeonsa Temple: A Mountain Retreat Near Seoul
Overview
Located in the mountainous region of Gyeonggi Province, Baengnyeonsa Temple is a quiet and unassuming temple that offers visitors a chance to experience the simplicity of monastic life in a peaceful setting. Founded during the Goryeo Dynasty, Baengnyeonsa is known for its traditional architecture and tranquil surroundings.
What to Expect
Baengnyeonsa encompasses lush forests and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The temple’s grounds include several beautiful prayer halls, meditation spaces, and a small waterfall that adds to the serene atmosphere. It’s a perfect place for those looking to disconnect from the world and immerse themselves in quiet contemplation.
Temple Stay Program
Baengnyeonsa offers a simple yet profound temple stay program that emphasizes meditation, silence, and reflection. Participants can engage in traditional Buddhist practices, such as 108 bows, sutra recitation, and walking meditation. The temple stay experience here is less structured than some of the larger temples, allowing for a more personal and introspective journey.
Pro Tip
Baengnyeonsa is relatively close to Seoul, making it a great option for a quick weekend retreat. The surrounding mountains also offer excellent hiking opportunities, so consider combining your temple stay with a hike through the forested trails.
9. Donghwasa Temple: A Historic Gem in the Countryside
Overview
Donghwasa Temple, in the Daegu area, is a historic temple showcasing a massive Buddha statue and beautiful natural surroundings. Founded in 493, Donghwasa has a rich history and offers a peaceful retreat away from the city.
What to Expect
Donghwasa is famous for its 83-meter-tall stone Buddha statue, one of the largest in Korea. The temple complex includes numerous prayer halls, stone pagodas, and meditation pavilions scattered throughout the hillside. The natural beauty of the area, combined with the temple’s historical significance, makes it a wonderful destination for spiritual reflection and exploration.
Temple Stay Program
Donghwasa offers a variety of temple stay programs, including meditation, Buddhist ceremonies, and traditional tea rituals. The temple stay experience here is deeply rooted in the monastic traditions of Korean Buddhism, offering visitors a chance to experience the spiritual practices of the monks who have lived and studied here for centuries.
Pro Tip
Donghwasa is particularly beautiful in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Plan your visit during this time to enjoy the stunning floral displays while immersing yourself in the temple’s peaceful atmosphere.
10. Geumsunsa Temple: A Hidden Gem in Bukhansan National Park
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Overview
Located in the picturesque Bukhansan National Park, Geumsunsa Temple is a lesser-known temple that offers a serene escape into nature. Founded during the Goryeo Dynasty, Geumsunsa is perched high on the mountainside, offering breathtaking views of the park’s rugged landscape.
What to Expect
Geumsunsa’s location within Bukhansan National Park makes it a perfect destination for nature lovers and spiritual seekers alike. The temple is has dense forests, rocky cliffs, and crystal-clear streams. The temple’s simple and rustic architecture blends harmoniously with the natural surroundings, creating a peaceful and meditative atmosphere.
Temple Stay Program
Geumsunsa offers a variety of temple stay programs that focus on meditation, chanting, and walking meditation in the surrounding park. The temple’s remote location and stunning natural environment make it an ideal place for deep reflection and spiritual renewal.
Pro Tip
Combine your temple stay with a hike through Bukhansan National Park. The park’s numerous trails offer incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and the combination of physical activity and spiritual practice makes for a truly rejuvenating experience.
Final Thoughts
Visiting temples in and around Seoul offers a unique opportunity to explore South Korea’s rich Buddhist heritage, while temple stays provide an immersive experience that fosters spiritual growth and personal reflection. From the bustling heart of the city to the tranquil mountain retreats, these temples offer a peaceful escape into the world of meditation, mindfulness, and ancient traditions. Whether you’re seeking a day of quiet contemplation or a longer journey of self-discovery, the temples of Seoul are waiting to welcome you with open arms.
