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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lanterns create magic

Bongwonsa Temple Seoul
Best Time
Lanterns create magic

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Buddhist temple in Seoul's Gangnam district, offering serene beauty and enchanting lantern displays, especially at night.
"Bongwonsa Temple is a peaceful oasis in Gangnam, especially magical when illuminated by lanterns at night."

🎯 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.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.4 · 715 reviews
Type
Place of Worship
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lanterns Aglow
Main temple grounds
Experience the ethereal beauty of colorful lanterns illuminating the temple grounds, especially enchanting at night.
Lotus Flower Blooms
Temple ponds
During spring, witness the vibrant spectacle of lotus flowers in full bloom, adding a serene and picturesque touch.
Bell Ceremony
Main pavilion
Catch the deeply spiritual 5 PM bell ceremony for a moment of reflection and cultural immersion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Nighttime Magic
Combine with COEX
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
🌸 See Lotus Blooms
Visit in spring for the beautiful lotus flowers.
🔔 Don't Miss Bell Ceremony
The 5 PM bell ceremony is a profound experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 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.
🌸 See Lotus Blooms
Visit in spring for the beautiful lotus flowers.
🔔 Don't Miss Bell Ceremony
The 5 PM bell ceremony is a profound experience.
🚶♀️ Easy Access
Located right by Bongeunsa Station, very convenient.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
You can use either Seoul Subway Line 2 to Samseong Station or Line 9 to Bongeunsa Station. Both provide excellent access to the temple.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Bongwonsa Temple generally offers free admission to its grounds, allowing visitors to explore its serene atmosphere without a ticket.
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.
Yes, visiting Bongwonsa Temple at night is highly recommended as the lanterns are beautifully illuminated, creating a magical ambiance.
Advance booking is not required for general entry to Bongwonsa Temple as admission is free. You can visit spontaneously.
Bongwonsa Temple hosts various events, including the Lotus Lantern Festival for Buddha's Birthday, which is a spectacular time to visit.
🎫 🧭 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.
Yes, Bongwonsa Temple offers a peaceful and educational experience for families. Children can learn about Buddhist culture in a serene environment.
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.
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.
Dress respectfully when visiting Bongwonsa Temple. Modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is recommended, as it is a place of worship.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
Be mindful of worshippers and avoid using flash photography directly at people or sacred objects. Respectful photography is appreciated.
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.



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