Bongwonsa Temple
Bongwonsa Temple
4.5
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The area
Neighbourhood: Seodaemun
Walk within this area, centered on what used to be the western gate of traditional Seoul, and you'll get a glimpse of Korea’s past through the beautiful and historic buildings that are scattered throughout. Whether wandering around Deoksugung’s palace walls or touring more historically somber sites such as Seodaemun Prison, this is one of the best places for culture, architecture, and history lovers. Jeongdong in particular is a beautiful place for a stroll in spring and autumn.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
14 reviews
Excellent
4
Very good
10
Average
0
Poor
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Terrible
0
OntarioTraveler9
Burlington, Canada930 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
After getting off the Line 2 subway at Sinchon station, it was by luck or by chance that I found the bus to the temple. Once I found the bus, the rest was easy because the terminal for the bus was the temple. However, after I got off the bus, there was still a way to walk to the temple. I would say it was not the easiest place to find, but once you found it, it is actually a pleasant place to visit. The place is not overrun by tourists, and there are quite a few buildings that you can explore. A nice break from the city.
Written 14 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chatthefoodie
Bangkok, Thailand594 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
Bongwonsa Temple was not in my original Seoul itinerary but I am very happy I made the visit. Sitting on a hill on the outskirts of the capital, Bongwonsa is not yet a tourist stop but that is okay. Eminently peaceful with just a few visitors walking around, this is a small temple for meditation and worship more than anything. It has about three main buildings. One was filled with little Buddhas that I absolutely fell in love me. Another was a hall basically for mediation.
Bongwonsa Temple may not offer spectacular photo opportunities, but certain angles were so charming. It is one of those places you feel as those you "discovered" on your journey. In that sense, it was a truly rewarding experience.
Bongwonsa Temple may not offer spectacular photo opportunities, but certain angles were so charming. It is one of those places you feel as those you "discovered" on your journey. In that sense, it was a truly rewarding experience.
Written 29 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patrick
Seoul, South Korea6 contributions
Jun 2019 • Solo
This is a working temple not a tourist site. The original temple was founded nearby in 889AD on what is now Yonsei University campus it was moved to current location in 1748. Even after living in Seoul for a year it amazes me the history around almost every corner. This temple is so beautiful and easy to get to you'd be crazy not to visit but then again temples are kinda a thing with me.
Written 30 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy M
Seoul, South Korea10 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
The Ceremony to Soothe the Dead was the most amazing cultural experience I have attended! I will definitely mark my calendar for June 6th, Korean Memorial Day, to attend next year.
Even if you missed it, a visit to the Bongwon Buddhist Temple is a must! Look for the Mountain Spirit painting in one the hall with with Buddha of the Future. The Mountain Spirit will have a tiger and a kingly man with a pine tree behind him. The Mountain Spirit is unique to Korea, where the Buddhist Monks ask the Mountain Spirit for permission to live on his mountain.
I also found the Hall of the 3000 Buddhas stunning. Each of the 3000 Buddhas reigns over his own universe reminding us of the vastness of the universe.
I have created a video to show some of the highlights from the Yeongsanjae Ritual and walks you through the Bongwon Buddhist Temple on my YouTube - Amy Moncure.
Even if you missed it, a visit to the Bongwon Buddhist Temple is a must! Look for the Mountain Spirit painting in one the hall with with Buddha of the Future. The Mountain Spirit will have a tiger and a kingly man with a pine tree behind him. The Mountain Spirit is unique to Korea, where the Buddhist Monks ask the Mountain Spirit for permission to live on his mountain.
I also found the Hall of the 3000 Buddhas stunning. Each of the 3000 Buddhas reigns over his own universe reminding us of the vastness of the universe.
I have created a video to show some of the highlights from the Yeongsanjae Ritual and walks you through the Bongwon Buddhist Temple on my YouTube - Amy Moncure.
Written 12 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Se0ulist
Istanbul, Türkiye316 contributions
Sept 2016 • Solo
Here is in the city center to be able to reach easily. Very beautiful temple with a garden waterlilies on pot and chance to hear people who practise buddhist songs, because also a place to teach buddhist music.
Written 27 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NamKhim
Singapore, Singapore96 contributions
May 2016 • Friends
This is a nice quiet temple up on the hill. It is not on the tourist map and is mostly overlooked. When I inquired about this at the Tourist Information center in Insadong, the receptionist didn't even know about this temple and had to Google it. She kept thinking I wanted to go to Bongeunsa instead.
The temple is up on the hill slope so you have to walk up the slope from the bus stop.
It's a simple temple with a few temple halls. One of them is the Three Thousand Buddhas hall that had many little Buddha statues.
Behind the temple, there are trekking trails further into the hill.
That temple is nothing particularly spectacular. But it is a nice excursion trip to an old temple with a rich history. It has nice environ and atmosphere. If you like to explore old temples, you will like it.
Bus 7024 from Sinchon subway (green line, exit 3) will terminate at the Bongwonsa stop. Note that the road where this bus stop is located may be close to traffic during weekends. Then you will need to walk towards Yonsei University and take the bus from opposite Severance Hospital.
The temple is up on the hill slope so you have to walk up the slope from the bus stop.
It's a simple temple with a few temple halls. One of them is the Three Thousand Buddhas hall that had many little Buddha statues.
Behind the temple, there are trekking trails further into the hill.
That temple is nothing particularly spectacular. But it is a nice excursion trip to an old temple with a rich history. It has nice environ and atmosphere. If you like to explore old temples, you will like it.
Bus 7024 from Sinchon subway (green line, exit 3) will terminate at the Bongwonsa stop. Note that the road where this bus stop is located may be close to traffic during weekends. Then you will need to walk towards Yonsei University and take the bus from opposite Severance Hospital.
Written 25 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clairicendre
Seoul, South Korea22 contributions
Jul 2015 • Friends
A beautiful temple, especially in Summer when the lotuses are out. A great idea to pack a picnic basket and wander into the mountain.
No information in English though.
No information in English though.
Written 23 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
May I know if the temple is open during Chinese New Year 2019 and is there any vegetarian restaurant nearby? thank you
Written 22 January 2019
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