Bongeunsa Temple
봉은사
A thousand-year-old temple among Gangnam's skyscrapers, with a 23-meter stone Maitreya Buddha beside the COEX towers and temple stay experiences available.
Bongeunsa is said to have been founded in 794. During the reign of King Myeongjong of Joseon, it was a leading Seon (Zen) temple. Today it sits across from COEX in Gangnam, and the contrast between the old temple and the glass-curtain-wall skyscrapers is striking. The grounds include a stone standing Maitreya Buddha about 23 meters tall, and Pangjeon Hall preserves a plaque written by Chusa Kim Jeong-hui in his later years. Around Buddha's Birthday (the eighth day of the fourth lunar month), the temple is hung with colorful lotus lanterns and the night views are beautiful. Entry to the temple is free. Half-day and full-day Temple Stay programs and tea ceremony experiences are available by advance reservation, with some English-language sessions. Exit 1 of Bongeunsa Station (Subway Line 9) leads directly here, and the temple pairs well with a visit to Starfield Library.
Opening hours
Approx. 05:00–22:00 (free for mainland China visitors)
Nearby sights
- Starfield Library (COEX Mall)
- Seongsu-dong
- Seoul Forest
- Garosu-gil
- Lotte World Adventure
- Lotte World Tower & Seoul Sky
- Seokchon Lake
- Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain