Comfortable Temple : BONGEUNSA

 Hi Friends! ✋

It's a cool autumn day. I love this season with it's beautiful, sunny weather. 

This time, I'd like to recommend the comfortable buddhist temple in seoul.  

This is BONGEUNSA which near the BONGEUNSA subway station in line 9. Bongeunsa Station (Line 9), Exit 1 or 2 → it’s a short walk to the temple gate. You can also walk over from Samseong Station (Line 2) via COEX. This temple is located near the COEX mall. 

Bongeunsa traces its origins to the late 15th century. It was established in 794 as Gyeonseongsa according to some records, but the site and name were reorganized during the Joseon dynasty, with Bongeunsa formally rising to prominence around 1498 under royal patronage. The temple’s development reflects the complex relationship between Buddhism and the Confucian state, where Buddhism was restricted but still supported at certain moments.

There are seasonal festivals,  and that time it was the lotus flower festival. 

Bongeunsa went through fires, wars, and rebuilds, and what you see today is a mix of historic halls and carefully restored buildings. That blend of old wood and modern city skyline is part of its charm.

Ongoing conservation efforts maintain halls like Daewongjeon and smaller shrines, with regular maintenance of wooden eaves, lanterns, and calligraphy plaques. Even with construction and traffic nearby, the temple grounds preserve soundscapes (drum, bell, moktak) and ritual rhythms that have marked Korean Buddhist life for centuries.

Here you can light the candle and make a wish. It is unique culture in Asian countries.

White candle is about 2 dollars (3,000KRW) and animal candle is about 4 dollars (5,000 KRW). 

It can be lighted in front of middle of temple (Daeungjeon) or big Buddha statue.

One of the highlights is the giant standing Buddha (Maitreya) statue. It’s a beautiful spot to pause, take in the view, and snap a couple of respectful photos.

The temple still hosts daily rituals and seasonal ceremonies. If you visit in the morning, you might hear the drum or bell sounds—soft but powerful, and very calming.

Beside this, there are two other beautiful cafes as like this.

 That cafe sells coffee, tea, some bakeries. 

This cafe is located in entrance. 💖

From the 1990s onward, Bongeunsa expanded outreach with cultural events, meditation classes, tea ceremonies, and temple-stay experiences (some in English). This helped introduce Korean Buddhist practice to international visitors and younger locals.

Bongeunsa is also known for its temple stay and cultural programs. Some are English-friendly, letting you try meditation, tea ceremony, or simple temple meals. Check schedules ahead, because availability changes.

If you want to have refreshment in the city, how about visiting BONGEUNSA?