Bongeunsa Temple

Overview

Bongeunsa Temple is a beautiful Buddhist temple nestled in the heart of Gangnam, Seoul. It offers a serene retreat from the bustling city, featuring historic architecture, lush gardens, and cultural artifacts.

Bongeunsa Temple is one of the most prominent Buddhist temples in Seoul, known for its historical importance and spiritual atmosphere. It serves as a significant cultural and religious landmark in the city.

Temple Historical Site Cultural Attraction

Location

Address

531 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Neighborhood: Gangnam

Coordinates

37.513300, 127.058100

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 5:30 AM - 9:30 PM

tuesday 5:30 AM - 9:30 PM

wednesday 5:30 AM - 9:30 PM

thursday 5:30 AM - 9:30 PM

friday 5:30 AM - 9:30 PM

saturday 5:30 AM - 9:30 PM

sunday 5:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Admission

Adults

Free (donations welcome)

Children

Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, September-November

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

2-3 hours

Full Experience

half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild to warm

• cherry blossoms
• lush gardens

summer

hot and humid

• cool shade
• evening programs

autumn

cool and pleasant

• fall foliage
• clear skies

winter

cold

• festive decorations
• winter solstice events

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Dress modestly
Respect temple rules
Check opening hours

What to Bring

essential

Comfortable shoes Modest clothing Water

seasonal

Jacket in winter Umbrella in summer Sun hat in spring/fall

not allowed

Loud behavior Smoking Pets

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Low to moderate (some walking involved)

• Stay hydrated in summer
• Watch for uneven surfaces

Medical facilities: Basic first aid available

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit cards

Currency

South Korean Won (KRW)

Typical Costs

entry Free (donations welcome)

parking Free

food $5-$15

souvenirs $5-$30

Dress Code

Modest clothing (cover shoulders and knees), Comfortable shoes for walking, Remove shoes in certain areas, Revealing clothing, Hats indoors

Booking Tips

• Not usually required, but check for special events
• Official website or local travel agencies
• Varies by tour
• Available for some tours

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Bongeunsa Temple Official App

Size: 30 MB

Features: Temple map, Event calendar, Audio guide, Prayer requests

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafes, Main temple area

Charging Stations: Visitor center, Cafes

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Incheon International Airport (ICN)

Distance: 50 km

Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Airport Railroad (AREX)

KRW 10,500 1 hour 20 minutes

Taxi

KRW 80,000-100,000 1 hour

From City Center

Distance: 10 km

Seoul Subway Line 3

KRW 1,450 30 minutes

Bus

KRW 1,200 40 minutes

Taxi

KRW 15,000-20,000 20 minutes

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: A peaceful retreat in the bustling city, rich in history and culture

Historical Significance: Founded in 794, the temple has a long history of Buddhist practice and cultural preservation

Insider Tips

Early morning visits offer a more peaceful experience
The temple's food offerings are a must-try
Check the schedule for special cultural events

Local Recommendations

• Try traditional temple food at the on-site restaurant
• Visit the nearby COEX Mall for shopping and dining
• Explore the Starfield Library nearby

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)

thank_you 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida)

where_is 어디에 있어요? (Eodie isseoyo?)

how_much 얼마예요? (Eolmayeyo?)

beautiful 아름다워요 (Areumdawoyo)

ticket 티켓 (Tiket)

Guide Languages: Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main Gate (Iljumun)

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Capture the intricate details of the gate

Result: Iconic temple entrance shot

#Bongeunsa #SeoulTemple #KoreanCulture

Janggyeongbo (Brass Bell)

Best Time: Any time

Tips: Showcase the size and detail of the bell

Result: Unique cultural artifact shot

#BongeunsaBell #TempleArtifact #Seoul

Temple Garden

Best Time: Spring or Autumn

Tips: Use the natural scenery as a backdrop

Result: Serene and beautiful garden shot

#TempleGarden #SeoulGreenery #Peaceful

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas, Gardens

prohibited areas Indoor shrine areas, Meditation areas

flash photography Not allowed in indoor areas

commercial photography Permit needed

drone policy Prohibited without permission

tripod policy Allowed in designated areas

selfie sticks Allowed in outdoor areas

Nearby Attractions

COEX Mall

Distance: 500m

Walking: 7 min

Type: Shopping Mall

Starfield Library

Distance: 600m

Walking: 10 min

Type: Library

Seoul Arts Center

Distance: 1.5km

Walking: 20 min

Type: Cultural Center

Gangnam Park

Distance: 800m

Walking: 12 min

Type: Park

Reviews

4.7

Based on 1,200 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Visit early in the morning"
"Try the temple food"
"Explore the nearby COEX Mall"

Contact Information

+82-2-3407-0020

info@bongeunsa.org

www.bongeunsa.org

Social Media

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