A Peaceful Escape

in the Heart of a Busy City 

 Bongeunsa

If you think of Samseong-dong and only know about COEX’s Starfield Library, make sure to add Bongeunsa to your must-visit list after reading this! It’s just a 3-minute walk away, as marked above—super close! 

Bongeunsa, located in the heart of Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, is a temple with over 1,200 years of history. Hidden between the tall, modern skyscrapers, this place offers a rare sense of calm that’s hard to find in the busy city. 

A temple isn’t just a religious site — it’s a place of rest and reflection. In the middle of the hectic pace of city life, Bongeunsa offers you a chance to take a deep breath, set aside your stress, and find your own sense of peace. It’s like an oasis in the middle of the urban desert. 

Unlike the temple Woljeongsa, located deep in the mountains, Bongeunsa offers a unique silence and peace that's hard to find in a busy metropolis. While you won’t hear the sound of birds chirping or leaves rustling in the wind, you’ll experience a special kind of quiet even amidst the city noise. 

When you step into Bongeunsa, the noise of everyday life slowly fades away, replaced by a sense of calm. It’s a place where, even in the city’s fast pace, you can pause and enjoy a moment of peace. In this way, Bongeunsa becomes a special retreat for those who need a break from the hustle and bustle. 

Anyone who visits here can leave their worries behind for a while and take time to clear their mind. Walking through the temple grounds slowly, you’ll naturally feel calmer, and the quiet atmosphere of the temple helps both your body and mind relax. Bongeunsa is not just another temple; it’s a special place where you can experience real tranquility in the middle of the city. 

Bongeunsa is a thousand-year-old temple located in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, previously known as Gyeonseongam. Bongeunsa became a central hub for the revival of Buddhism. Many great monks who passed the monk state exam here led the revival of Buddhism in the Joseon Dynasty. During the late Joseon period, it was also a famous spot frequented by poets and writers during the cultural renaissance. Today, Bongeunsa continues to play an important role and has a great influence on Korean Buddhism. 

The temple houses many buildings and cultural relics, making it one of the largest temples in Korea. As you wander the grounds, Buddhist treasures can be seen everywhere, and just seeing them brings a sense of peace and calm to your heart and mind.

One of Bongeunsa’s most iconic features is Mireukdaebul — a 23-meter-tall statue, the largest in Korea. This massive statue is visible from afar, marking Bongeunsa’s presence. Built with the help of over 10,000 people, the construction of Mireukdaebul began in 1986 and took 10 years to complete, finishing in 1996. The statue carries the hopes and wishes of many, and its sheer size and grace have made it a symbol of Bongeunsa. The plaza in front of Mireukdaebul is primarily used for prayer, but it also hosts cultural events and performances, making it a versatile space. 

Standing in front of Mireukdaebul, one is struck by its grandeur, but it's the Buddha's gentle smile that brings a sense of peace to the heart. Visitors often feel calmer and more at ease in the presence of the Buddha. It's also common to see people from all over the world praying at Buddha's feet, making Bongeunsa a truly international destination.

In this way, Bongeunsa is both large and easily accessible, making it a popular retreat for many visitors. It is especially famous for being one of the first places in Seoul where red plum blossoms bloom, drawing crowds of people in the spring to admire the beautiful blossoms along with the cherry blossoms. The combination of towering skyscrapers and the traditional temple creates a unique and rare sight in the city. 

Bongeunsa is more than a temple. It's a place where tradition and modern life harmonize. Visitors can reflect on the deeper meanings of life and religion while finding a sense of peace. So if you're visiting Seoul, why not take a break and visit Bongeunsa? 

Address  

서울특별시 강남구 봉은사로 531 

531, Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea 

Inquiries 

+82-2-3216-4800 

For information on holidays, operating hours, fees, and the Temple Stay program, please visit

http://temple.bongeunsa.org/public_html/index.asp!