Bongeunsa TempleGangnam · Sinsa 3S

Photo: KTO

Facing the giant COEX complex in Gangnam, Bongeunsa is a Buddhist temple said to have been founded in 794 — about 1,200 years of history. Step through the gate and the city falls away: wooden halls and old trees surrounded by skyscrapers.

Highlights include the 23-metre Maitreya Buddha and the Panjeon hall, built in 1855 and the oldest building on the grounds. It holds more than 3,500 woodblocks of Buddhist scriptures, including the Avatamsaka Sutra, and its signboard was written by the Joseon calligrapher Kim Jeong-hui (Chusa) just before his death. Around Buddha's Birthday in spring the grounds fill with colourful lanterns, and the temple stay programme is popular with international visitors.

Key information

Address	531 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Hours	Grounds open from early morning until evening (approx.)
Admission	Free (temple stay and other programmes are paid and need booking)
Time needed	about 1 hours
Nearest station	Bongeunsa Stn (Line 9), exit 1, about 1 min on foot
Area	Gangnam · Sinsa
Last checked	October 2026

Hours and fees are estimates as of 2026-10 and may change. Please check official sources before you go.

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Tip
Combine it with COEX and the Starfield Library. Keep your voice down and give people at prayer plenty of space.

Plan a trip with Bongeunsa Temple

Getting there

From	Route	Time	Fare (approx.)
Incheon Airport	AREX all-stop train → change at Seoul Station → Line 4 → change at Chungmuro to Line 3	~89 min	6,300 KRW
Gimpo Airport	Line 9 (Express) → Line 9 (Express) → change at Express Bus Terminal to Line 3	~48 min	1,850 KRW
Seoul Station	Line 4 → change at Chungmuro to Line 3	~22 min	1,550 KRW

Times are to the Gangnam · Sinsa area's nearest station; walk from there.

Nearby spots

Photo: KTO
Garosu-gil (Sinsa)Gangnam · Sinsa · ~3.1 kmA ginkgo-lined street of boutiques and cafés.
Photo: KTO
Apgujeong RodeoGangnam · Sinsa · ~2.1 kmLuxury brands, trend-setting shops and beauty clinics.
Photo: KTO
Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow FountainGangnam · Sinsa · ~5.4 kmA musical water show pouring from a Han River bridge, lit up at night. Runs March–October.
Photo: KTO
Seongsu cafés & pop-upsSeongsu · ~3.2 kmRenovated factory cafés and buzzworthy brand pop-ups.
Photo: Pexels
Lotte WorldJamsil · ~3.6 kmIndoor and outdoor (Magic Island) theme park — allow most of a day.
Photo: KTO
Seoul ForestSeongsu · ~3.7 kmA spacious city park with seasonal flowers and walking trails.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Bongeunsa Temple?

Grounds open from early morning until evening (approx.). Please check the official website for the latest information.

How much does Bongeunsa Temple cost?

Free (temple stay and other programmes are paid and need booking).

How do I get to Bongeunsa Temple?

The nearest station is Bongeunsa Stn (Line 9), exit 1, about 1 min on foot. From Incheon Airport it takes about 89 minutes and costs around ₩6,300.