Bogwangsa Temple in May
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Bongwonsa Temple Seoul

4.4
·715 reviews·, South Korea

A historic Buddhist temple in Seoul's Gangnam district, offering serene beauty and enchanting lantern displays, especially at night.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

Lanterns create magic

CrowdMedium
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Bogwangsa Temple in May

Bongwonsa Temple Seoul

Best Time

Evenings

Lanterns create magic

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Buddhist temple in Seoul's Gangnam district, offering serene beauty and enchanting lantern displays, especially at night.

4.4
(715 reviews)

"Bongwonsa Temple is a peaceful oasis in Gangnam, especially magical when illuminated by lanterns at night."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Visit at Night

The temple is stunning after dark with illuminated lanterns. A must-see!

🤝 Combine with COEX

Easily accessible from COEX Mall for a full day of exploration.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.4 · 715 reviews

Type

Place of Worship

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lanterns Aglow

Lanterns Aglow

Main temple grounds

Experience the ethereal beauty of colorful lanterns illuminating the temple grounds, especially enchanting at night.

Reddit
Lotus Flower Blooms

Lotus Flower Blooms

Temple ponds

During spring, witness the vibrant spectacle of lotus flowers in full bloom, adding a serene and picturesque touch.

Reddit
Bell Ceremony

Bell Ceremony

Main pavilion

Catch the deeply spiritual 5 PM bell ceremony for a moment of reflection and cultural immersion.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Nighttime Magic

Visit Bongwonsa Temple after dark for a truly magical experience. The illuminated lanterns create a serene and breathtaking atmosphere, a stark contrast to its daytime serenity. Many visitors recommend this time for its unique beauty. TikTok

Combine with COEX

Bongwonsa Temple is conveniently located next to COEX Mall, making it easy to combine a visit to the temple with shopping, dining, or exploring the famous Starfield Library. Plan your itinerary to enjoy both worlds. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
Lanterns create magic
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring (May-June)
Why
Lotus flowers bloom
Crowd
Medium
When
5 PM daily
Why
Bell ceremony
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Best to visit at night 🌙🏮 #temple #seoul #southkorea #asia #jogyesa #buddhist
@celiagaiaa
7K likes • 73.7K views

🎯 Visit at Night

The temple is stunning after dark with illuminated lanterns. A must-see! TikTokReddit

🤝 Combine with COEX

Easily accessible from COEX Mall for a full day of exploration. TikTokReddit

COEX MALL GUIDE 🛍️✨ Why is everyone obsessed with Coex Mall? Let me spill all the secrets! 🤫👇 How to get here: 🚇 Samseong Station (Line 2): Direct underground access—super easy! 🚇 Bongeunsa Station (L...
@hahoetal_travel
3.2K likes • 70.3K views
📍Bongwonsa Temple, Seoul, South Korea
justinabroad
8 likes • 156 views

🌸 See Lotus Blooms

Visit in spring for the beautiful lotus flowers. Reddit

🔔 Don't Miss Bell Ceremony

The 5 PM bell ceremony is a profound experience. Reddit

Serenity in Bongwonsa temple, #Seoul. 📸 @pmry94 📍Seoul, South Korea Landscape 🌍 Link in bio for #koreatravel blog! #korea #southkorea #korealandscape #travelkorea #koreatrip#visitkorea #iseoulu #iseoulyou #seoulmate #seoulmates #ongooglemaps #seoullife #southkorea #seoul🇰🇷 #seoulite #seoul #seoullife #temple #koreantemple #culturetrip #koreanculture #culturaltrip#culturecenter #templestay
korealandscape
61 likes • 589 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Visit at Night

The temple is stunning after dark with illuminated lanterns. A must-see! TikTokReddit

🤝 Combine with COEX

Easily accessible from COEX Mall for a full day of exploration. TikTokReddit

🌸 See Lotus Blooms

Visit in spring for the beautiful lotus flowers. Reddit

🔔 Don't Miss Bell Ceremony

The 5 PM bell ceremony is a profound experience. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy Access

Located right by Bongeunsa Station, very convenient. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(715 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Bongwonsa Temple for its serene beauty, especially the enchanting lantern displays at night. Its convenient location next to COEX Mall is a significant plus, allowing for easy integration into a day of sightseeing and shopping. While generally well-loved, some find it can get crowded during peak times or festivals.

"Incredible and beautiful place. It has several temples and the big one has 3000 golden Buddhas. Monks live there and are well preserved. Behind the temple is the trail for the mountain. Nice place to visit."

Aaron Chaverri

"In a country proudly steeped in culture, with so many temples around, Bongwonsa must truly be one of the few unspoilt ones. This is because it is located on a hill top.

I’ve seen pictures of Bongwonsa at spring time and notices the pride of the caretakers to keep it neat and spruced at all times for all visitors.

As with any visit to a place of worship, do treat the place with utmost respect."

Sean Y

"A small temple in a serene forested setting. The 7024 bus has a stop near the temple. Inclined easy walk on the neighborhood street from the bus stop to the temple entrance. After viewing the Buddhist temple, walking through the forested trail to Yonsei University is an easy walk where there’s a small temple within the University Medical Complex. Free admission for both temples"

D K

What People Like

Magical nighttime lanterns
Peaceful atmosphere
Convenient COEX location

What People Dislike

Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Bongwonsa Temple is incredibly easy to reach. Take the Seoul Subway Line 2 to Samseong Station or the Seoul Subway Line 9 to Bongeunsa Station. Both stations offer direct underground access or are just a short walk away, making it a convenient stop, especially when combined with a visit to COEX Mall. TikTokReddit

Yes, Bongwonsa Temple is located right next to COEX Mall in the Gangnam district. This makes it very convenient to visit both attractions in the same day. TikTokReddit

You can use either Seoul Subway Line 2 to Samseong Station or Line 9 to Bongeunsa Station. Both provide excellent access to the temple. Reddit

While the subway is the most recommended and direct method, several bus routes also serve the area around Samseong Station and COEX Mall, from where you can easily walk to the temple.

Limited parking may be available, but it's highly recommended to use public transportation due to the temple's central location and proximity to major transit hubs like COEX Mall. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Bongwonsa Temple generally offers free admission to its grounds, allowing visitors to explore its serene atmosphere without a ticket. Reddit

Bongwonsa Temple is typically open from dawn until dusk, allowing visitors to experience its beauty throughout the day. However, specific hours for certain buildings or events may vary. TikTok

Yes, visiting Bongwonsa Temple at night is highly recommended as the lanterns are beautifully illuminated, creating a magical ambiance. TikTokReddit

Advance booking is not required for general entry to Bongwonsa Temple as admission is free. You can visit spontaneously. Reddit

Bongwonsa Temple hosts various events, including the Lotus Lantern Festival for Buddha's Birthday, which is a spectacular time to visit. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Explore the main temple buildings, admire the intricate architecture, enjoy the peaceful gardens, and witness the daily bell ceremony. The illuminated lanterns at night are a major highlight. TikTokReddit

Yes, Bongwonsa Temple offers a peaceful and educational experience for families. Children can learn about Buddhist culture in a serene environment. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted within the temple grounds, but it's always respectful to be mindful of worshippers and avoid intrusive photography, especially during ceremonies. TikTok

The 5 PM bell ceremony is a daily ritual where a large bell is struck, creating a resonant sound believed to bring peace and blessings. It's a significant cultural experience. Reddit

Dress respectfully when visiting Bongwonsa Temple. Modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is recommended, as it is a place of worship. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The main temple buildings with their ornate roofs, the serene courtyards, and especially the illuminated lanterns at night offer fantastic photo opportunities. The lotus ponds in spring are also picturesque. TikTokReddit

Photography is usually allowed in the outdoor areas and courtyards. However, it's best to check for any signage or ask temple staff regarding photography inside the main prayer halls, as it may be restricted. TikTok

For a unique perspective, visit at dusk to capture the transition from daylight to the illuminated lanterns. Nighttime photography is highly recommended for its magical glow. TikTokReddit

Be mindful of worshippers and avoid using flash photography directly at people or sacred objects. Respectful photography is appreciated. TikTok

Tripod usage might be restricted during peak hours or for specific events to ensure smooth visitor flow and safety. It's advisable to check with temple staff if you plan to use one. TikTok

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