- Address: 06087 531, Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
- Phone: + 82-2-3218-4800
Bongeunsa is a Buddhist temple, founded in 794. There are many historical and cultural values, including wood carvings from the sutra Avatamsaka (Flower Garland Sutra). The Bonguuns Temple has a 1000-year history. It is a very popular tourist destination offering various programs related to traditional Korean Buddhist culture.
Historical reference
The Bonguuns Temple is located south of the Khan River and north of Gangnam-gu . Originally it was known as Gyeonseongsa. It was during the reign of King Wilsong Silla. It was located 1 km south-west of its current location. Gyeonseongsa was renovated in 1498 by the Queen Jeonghyeon. At the same time, it was renamed Bongeunsa.
What is interesting temple for tourists?
Bonguunsa is more than just a temple. It provides a place for recreation of busy people of the city, gives an opportunity to think about yourself. The templestay program is designed to experience everyday life in the temple, to learn traditional Korean Buddhist culture and practice. Visitors can learn about some simple Buddhist practices, such as daily dawn service, Korean Zen meditation, Dado (tea ceremony) and Balwoogongyang (Buddhist meal with traditional bowls). Every May on the birthday of the Buddha in the Temple of Bonguuns in Seoul, the Lotus Festival takes place at the nearby Samson-dong.
The highlight of the temple is the 28-meter stone statue of Buddha, one of the highest in the country. The oldest remaining building is the library, which was built in 1856. It features wood carvings from the Sutra flower garland and 3479 Buddhist scriptures, including works by Kim Jeong Hee.
Today the Temple of Bongougence offers a pleasant, interesting and peaceful retreat. Until the 1960s, the temple grounds were surrounded only by farms and gardens. Since then, much has changed, and this area has become the center of one of the richest places in Seoul . This makes the temple of Bongheus and its surroundings quite an interesting mix of traditional and modern Seoul.
How to get to the Bonguuns temple in Seoul?
You need to take the metro line 2 and exit via exit number 6 at Samson station or by metro line 7 to Chhondam station (exit # 2).