Bongeunsa Temple
Bongeunsa is a living Buddhist temple founded in 794 CE, set dramatically against Gangnam's skyscrapers. Free to enter, it houses a 23-metre Maitreya statue, woodblock-carved sutras, and active Templestay programs — making it Seoul's most accessible ancient-meets-modern spiritual landmark.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 05:00–22:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | free |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Line 9 Bongeunsa Station, Exit 1 (~3-min walk); also Line 2 Samseong Station, Exit 5 or 6 (~10-min walk through COEX) |
| Time needed | 1–2 hours for self-guided visit; half-day for Templestay programs |
| Best time to go | Early morning (05:00–08:00) for quiet and prayer atmosphere; evenings for illuminated lotus lanterns |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Locals Score
- Value8.0
- Freshness5.9
- Crowd level7.0
- Authenticity8.0
- Accessibility8.5
Frequently asked questions
- What is the large statue at Bongeunsa Temple?
- It is the Mireuk Daebul, a 23-metre granite statue of Maitreya (the Future Buddha), completed in 1996. It is the tallest stone Maitreya statue in South Korea and the temple's most photographed landmark.
- Can I visit Bongeunsa and COEX Mall on the same trip?
- Absolutely — the two are directly across the street from each other. Bongeunsa Station (Line 9) also has an underground passage (Exit 7) connecting directly into COEX Mall, making a combined visit effortless. The Starfield Library and COEX Aquarium are a few minutes' walk away.
- What historic treasures can I see inside the temple?
- The Panjeon hall enshrines 81 volumes of woodblock-carved Avatamsaka Sutra scriptures — a total of 3,479 Buddhist texts across 13 types. The hall's signboard bears calligraphy by Joseon-era master Kim Jeonghee, and the Four Heavenly Kings statues are housed in Jinyeomun Gate.
- How do I get to Bongeunsa Temple by subway?
- The easiest route is Seoul Subway Line 9 to Bongeunsa Station, Exit 1 — the temple entrance is about 100–150 metres straight ahead on your right (roughly 3 minutes on foot). You can also take Line 2 to Samseong Station (Exit 5 or 6) and walk north through COEX Mall in about 10 minutes.
- What is the Templestay program at Bongeunsa and how much does it cost?
- The flagship English-language overnight Templestay runs on the first Saturday–Sunday of each month (check-in 14:00, check-out 11:00) and costs ₩120,000 per person, meals included. A lighter 'Bong-Pass' drop-in day program runs every Tuesday (10:00–16:00) for ₩5,000, and a foreigner-focused Thursday program is ₩10,000. Book via templestay.com.
- What are Bongeunsa Temple's opening hours?
- The main gates are open daily from 05:00 to 22:00, every day of the year. The grounds open as early as 03:00 for worshippers attending morning prayer at 04:10, though general visitor access is from 05:00.
- Is there a daily bell ceremony at Bongeunsa?
- Yes. A bell ceremony takes place each evening — visitors frequently cite the 17:00 bell ringing as a highlight. Evening prayers begin at 18:40 and morning prayers at 04:10, both open for respectful observation.
- Is there an admission fee to enter Bongeunsa Temple?
- No, general admission to Bongeunsa Temple is completely free — no ticket or reservation required. Donations are welcome and support temple upkeep. Paid programs such as Templestay are separate.
Nearby in Ask Seoul
- BongeunsaAttraction0.08 km · 1 min walk
- Starfield LibraryAttraction0.58 km · 7 min walk
- JungsikRestaurant1.81 km · 23 min walk
- Le ChamberBar1.85 km · 23 min walk
- Alice CheongdamBar1.89 km · 24 min walk
Where to stay near Bongeunsa Temple
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