- Address: 55 Ujeongguk-ro, Gyeonji-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Phone: +82 2-768-8600
- Website: jogyesa.kr
- Denomination: Zen Buddhism
- Working hours: 24 hours a day
The central temple of Zen Buddhism in all of South Korea is Chogesa, located in Seoul . It is visited by those who want to see the most interesting, without leaving the city limits.
Historical reference
The complex was erected in 1920, after the times of the Joseon Dynasty were left in the past - with it Buddhist temples were banned. However, during the time of the Imzhin War, during the Japanese occupation, the temple buildings were partially destroyed. They were restored only in 1910, and with significant changes in respect of the original appearance.
Choges belongs to the Order of Choga, which now owns more than 1500 temples throughout Korea. Chogesa is the largest and most important of them.
Amazing architecture of the temple of Choges
Chogesa is not just a temple, but a whole complex of buildings, among which Tuenjong is considered the most interesting - the main thing in the ensemble. It's just huge - the Seoulans and visitors to the city compare it to the Gyeongjuonjong Temple of the royal palace of Gyeongbokgung , and Tianzhong wins in this comparison. The building was built in 1938 and attracts attention with patterns in the Tanchon style.
Sights of the temple complex
In addition to the unique architectural appearance, in the territory of Choges there are many other objects worthy of tourist attention:
- two very old trees - the Japanese Sophora (diameter of its crown is 26 m) and 500-year-old white pine, recognized as the national nature monument of South Korea;
- a Buddha statue in the building of Tianzhen;
- a seven-mile stone pagoda with the relics of holy monks.
Opportunities for tourists
In addition to the usual excursion and contemplation of local beauties, foreign guests have a unique opportunity to spend several days in the role of a real Buddhist monk. Temple of Chogesa in Seoul participates in the Temple Life program. Travelers are offered:
- participate in the morning service and tea ceremony;
- appreciate the simple food that monks eat;
- to study creativity and learn how to draw special Buddhist paintings and make lotus flowers.
Participation in Temple Life will cost 10 thousand won ($ 8.67) and is booked in advance.
By the way, lotuses are needed to celebrate the birthday of the Buddha, which is celebrated in the temple very large. Here there is a colorful festival and the neighborhoods are illuminated with light, as each participant carries his own flashlight in the form of a flower.
Features of visit
You can visit the temple of Choges free of charge at any time of the day or even night. The territory of this Buddhist shrine is open around the clock, but the building of Tuenjeon can only be visited from 4:00 to 21:00.
After a tour of the temple complex, you can stroll around the surrounding area. This is a very colorful place with lots of shops. Here you can buy incense and wooden gongs, monastic clothes, Buddhist literature, as well as charms, rosaries, statuettes, etc.
How to get to the temple?
Chogesa - a corner of peace and tranquility in the middle of the busy metropolis, which is Seoul. The shrine is located in the heart of the Korean capital, which is very convenient. Most tourists travel here by metro , as this is the most comfortable mode of transport for foreign guests. You need an Anguk station (red branch), exit # 6.