Bongeunsa Temple: A Thousand-Year-Old Temple in the Heart of Gangnam | ITTIKOREA
While waiting for the signal at the COEX intersection, you turn your head and see a tiled roof among the skyscrapers [...]
As you wait for the light at the COEX intersection and turn your head, you can catch a glimpse of tiled roofs between the skyscrapers. While people are initially surprised to find a temple in the heart of Gangnam, everyone wears the same expression once they enter. Possessing a 1200-year history, Bongeunsa Temple It's a story.
Bongeunsa Temple has become an unmissable spot on any Gangnam tour, with 8 out of 10 visitors being foreigners. This is likely because the scenery of a mountain temple nestled amidst a forest of buildings is more impactful than any words could convey.
As you pass through the Iljumun Gate, the atmosphere changes. Gigantic Four Heavenly Kings statues that make you disbelieve you're in the Gangnam city center gaze down on visitors from both sides, and as you step further inside, you can finally feel the city's noise slowing down a beat.
As you walk around the temple grounds, the first thing that catches your eye is the 23-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha. Its towering presence on the lotus pedestal is different in person, even if you've seen it in photos beforehand. It's a moment where you can instantly understand why Bongeunsa Temple has become known as a photogenic spot.
Going a little further inside, you'll find Panjeon. This is where the plaque, left by the renowned calligrapher of the late Joseon Dynasty, Chusa Kim Jeong-hui, at the end of his life, is displayed. It's one of the few buildings that survived the bombings of the Korean War. Inside, over 3,000 Buddhist scripture woodblocks are stored, and perhaps due to their weight, most people pause here.
The temple.
The grounds, spanning 18,000 pyeong, are enjoyable enough to explore by walking. In spring, flowers bloom, and in autumn, the changing leaves paint the temple scenery in yet another way, making it a place worth revisiting in a different season.
🚇 Directions
The closest route is to exit Line 9's Bongeunsa Station at Exit 1 and walk for about 2 minutes. If you're coming from COEX, you can use Line 2's Samseong Station, Exit 6. If you're coming from Cheongdam-dong, you can use Line 7's Cheongdam Station, Exit 2. Operating hours are from 3 AM to 10 PM, year-round, and there is no admission fee. However, donations are welcome at your discretion.
🍃 Recommended walking courses
After visiting Bongeunsa Temple, take a 5-minute walk to COEX. Add in the Starfield Library inside, and you'll complete an interesting day that starts at a thousand-year-old temple and ends in Seoul's most modern space.
I recommend visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon, during less crowded times. Those are the times that make Bongeunsa Temple truly itself.
