Bomunsa Temple
Bomunsa Temple
4.5
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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
52 reviews
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Margit-Doris
Sulz im Wienerwald, Austria106 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
It is very hot in August to climb the 420 steps(!), but it is worth it. We visited the temple complex from Incheon and chose a car. The taxi would cost about 80 euros one way...if you can afford that, it is the best alternative for me to get there, because with public transport it would take 4.5 hours...guided day tours from Incheon to the temple start at about 300 euros per person, depending on the number of participants...the complex itself is absolutely worth a visit.

Written 6 September 2023
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.
Grenville B
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia8 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
A worthwhile tour offered by Korean Airlines whilst waiting for a connection. I had 9 hours of layover. This tour was about 6 hours. It’s well worth the time. I met some interesting folks from China, Philippines and USA.
Written 2 March 2020
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.
Mic
Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium170 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
Amazing temple, just next to the sea. Ganghwado is famous for its fresh shrimps, you'll see a lot of sellers and you might find a shrimp market there.
But it's really complicated to go there.
From Sinchon, you can take the bus 3000 untill Ganghwado (강화도). When you arrive in the bus terminal, take the bus 31 or 37 untill Oepo-ri 외포리 and there take the ferry to cross to Seongmodo (걱모도). And when you finally arrive and this island, you can take a last shuttle bus to the temple.
So from Seoul, you have to expect a total transfert time of around 4 hours to go there and 4 hours to come back. And even though I really liked it I would say it's probably better to stay one night on Ganghwado instead of going back directly to Seoul. On you second day you can go see the Dolmen, another island, hike in a mountain or see some old fortification. In this way, you don't feel like you spend your day in the transport.
To give you an idea, we left Seoul around 8am, arrived at the temple around 12-12:30, walked a bit in the fishermen village of Oepo-ri on our way back and we made it back to Seoul around 18:30-19:00. All in all it still was a great day.
But it's really complicated to go there.
From Sinchon, you can take the bus 3000 untill Ganghwado (강화도). When you arrive in the bus terminal, take the bus 31 or 37 untill Oepo-ri 외포리 and there take the ferry to cross to Seongmodo (걱모도). And when you finally arrive and this island, you can take a last shuttle bus to the temple.
So from Seoul, you have to expect a total transfert time of around 4 hours to go there and 4 hours to come back. And even though I really liked it I would say it's probably better to stay one night on Ganghwado instead of going back directly to Seoul. On you second day you can go see the Dolmen, another island, hike in a mountain or see some old fortification. In this way, you don't feel like you spend your day in the transport.
To give you an idea, we left Seoul around 8am, arrived at the temple around 12-12:30, walked a bit in the fishermen village of Oepo-ri on our way back and we made it back to Seoul around 18:30-19:00. All in all it still was a great day.
Written 28 October 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.
Hweiyee
Singapore, Singapore1 contribution
Jun 2013 • Family
Pro: The view from the temple is great. You get to see mudflats and seagulls at the Seokmodo island. There are many things to see in Ganghwa island such as dolmen, museum and palaces, so you should spend 2 days there. It is rich in history ( You could read from here: http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=312751). It is a destination off the beaten track and there are less tourists around.
Con: It is pretty troublesome to get there, it takes 2 hours from seoul to ganghwa island, and 15 minutes to the seokpori dock, a ferry that takes around 15 minutes, and a local bus to the temple that takes 15 minutes. Bus trips at Ganghwa island is infrequent. Be sure to drop by the tourist information counter at the bus terminal before you head on your journey, he will let you know the bus schedules and the best route to travel.
Con: It is pretty troublesome to get there, it takes 2 hours from seoul to ganghwa island, and 15 minutes to the seokpori dock, a ferry that takes around 15 minutes, and a local bus to the temple that takes 15 minutes. Bus trips at Ganghwa island is infrequent. Be sure to drop by the tourist information counter at the bus terminal before you head on your journey, he will let you know the bus schedules and the best route to travel.
Written 15 June 2013
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.
hsayori
Strasbourg, France193 contributions
Aug 2013 • Family
For complete the last rate, you can go to the tourist information in the terminal of the bus., closed mondays. The man who speaks english, informed us very well !! Plan all the day if you want to discover all the island of Ganghwa. Bomunsa temple, Jeondongsa temple, Dolmen park and forteress are very nice !
In the terminal we can buy some local foods cheaper than Seoul. From Seoul take bus 3000, take around 1hour45.
In the terminal we can buy some local foods cheaper than Seoul. From Seoul take bus 3000, take around 1hour45.
Written 17 September 2013
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.
kjmagnuson
Los Angeles, CA668 contributions
Apr 2012 • Couples
Located on Seokmodo Island just off of the much larger Ganghwa Island. Bomunsa was built in a beautiful spot that offers fantastic views. The temple itself is pleasant but not outstanding compared to other more historic Korean temples. What Bomunsa offers is primarily a remote, serene, and beautiful temple.
For me personally the point of greatest interest is the Maaeseokbuljwasang rock carving. This etched carving of the Buddha is 10 meters high and is many centuries old. Bomunsa is an enjoyable temple to visit, but consider that to travel here you must first take a bus from either Incheon or Seoul to Ganghwa Island, and then take a ferry to Seokmodo Island. Quite a bit of effort, but if you have plenty of time on Ganghwa Island, worth your time.
For me personally the point of greatest interest is the Maaeseokbuljwasang rock carving. This etched carving of the Buddha is 10 meters high and is many centuries old. Bomunsa is an enjoyable temple to visit, but consider that to travel here you must first take a bus from either Incheon or Seoul to Ganghwa Island, and then take a ferry to Seokmodo Island. Quite a bit of effort, but if you have plenty of time on Ganghwa Island, worth your time.
Written 30 January 2013
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.
jake a
Incheon, South Korea11 contributions
Jun 2021
one of the oldest temples in Korea. High up on a mountain with great views of the island below. Located on Seomyeodo an island off of Gangwha island Great views.
Written 3 June 2021
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.
Jake Aller
Alexandria, VA36 contributions
Nov 2019
this is one of my favorite temples in Korea. It is not too difficult to get to these days used to be really remote but with the new bridge it is a doable day trip if you staying in Seoul or near the airport. Best way to get here is to rent a car. If you go by public transit take a bus from Sincheon station or from the airport and get off in Gangwha and then take a local bus or taxi.
Written 27 January 2020
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.
David D
Adelaide, Australia910 contributions
Mar 2018 • Friends
This is one of the nicest temples I've visited in South Korea. But it's not easy going to get to the top. Very steep although i noticed many older Korean making the trip and in some cases handling it better than the younger generation. At the top is the Buddha carved into stone. Its very intricate and obviously an important temple to the locals. There's a number of buildings with visiting so no need to rush the visit. From the top great views to the sea. Access to the island is by a recently completed bridge. On your way back there are a number of restaurants famous for their crab dishes. I could obtain the name of the one we went to although apparently is was one of the best. I'll included and image for those who can read Korean. Overall a great place to visit so close to Seoul.
Written 3 April 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.
Stewart S
Saint Joseph, MI625 contributions
Nov 2013 • Business
This is a very interesting location to visit to learn about old Korean culture and lifestyle. There is a lot to see here and there are always crowds, so best to go early in the day.
Written 23 November 2013
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.
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