Bongeunsa Temple

As a penniless student who does not celebrate Seollal, I decided to go on 'budget tour' in Seoul. I checked the list of things to do in Seoul on Tripadvisor and I have visited 25 out of the big 30. Those I haven't visited are palaces, Bukhansan (no thanks, I am not an outdoor person) and Bongeunsa.

Bongeunsa, the famous temple in Gangnam area, is on my list this time. Actually I don't really like temple and I really wanted to go to palaces instead but we need to buy ticket so mmm, no no, next time. Turned out it wasn't bad. Bongeunsa was pretty.

There was nothing attractive on the main gate. But we will be greeted by colorful lanterns aka lampion once we enter the temple area. You will also feel the solemnity of this place in every corner of it. This temple is located just right at a busy road but it was very quiet and peaceful. I have been to Jogyesa, another temple in Insadong, numerous times but it still have the busy-city-feeling and the atmosphere is not as quiet as this one.

Main gate. Source here

Bongeunsa area is pretty big and there are several buildings for praying and education. But nothing attract us more than the 23 meter tall Buddha statue at the back of the main building!

Buddha statue at Bongeunsa Temple

I think Bongeunsa is the second prettiest temple in Korea. The first one? Yonggungsa in Busan!

We spent like 40 minutes exploring and trying to read things in Korean before heading back to Coex. While we were walking down to the main gate, we heard the people/monks reciting mantra (not sure if its called mantra?) and it really gives 'legit' temple feeling. I heard that they also offer famous Temple Stay program here. Maybe I should try it someday :)))

So if you are a businessman or visitor staying in Coex/Gangnam area and have few hours to stay, Bongeunsa is definitely worth a visit. It is located just right across Coex and Grand Intercontinental Parnas. Like most temples in Korea, they are a bit hilly but it's okay - it's nothing too challenging tho :D

If you are staying closer to the city center like Insadong, Myeongdong or Dongdaemun, try to visit Jogyesa. Its fairly small compared to this one but they have a better information center (more touristy, I suppose) and Temple Stay information center is also located just right across it. Temples in Seoul (or maybe in Korea?) will be full of lantern during May-June and make sure to check the Buddha's Birthday and Lotus Lantern Festival date every year for one of a kind temple visit! :)

one last selfie before leaving