8 things not to miss at Bongeunsa, 794 years of history across from COEX
Bongeunsa was founded in 794 as Gyeonseongsa and is a temple that has witnessed the passage of time through the Joseon royal court, the state examination for Buddhist monks, and the development of Gangnam. Located just 135 meters from Exit 1 of Bongeunsa Station on Line 9, it is easy to reach, but as it is a place of worship, visitors should speak quietly and dress modestly around Daeungjeon Hall.
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Why Gyeonseongsa in 794 became Bongeunsa Temple in 1498
Bongeunsa Temple began in 794, the 10th year of Unified Silla King Wonseong's reign. National Preceptor Yeonhoe founded it under the name “Gyeonseongsa” at a different location from today, while the name “Bongeunsa” is explained as meaning to honor the Buddha's teachings and pray for his grace. The current address is 531 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, postal code 06087.
The temple's status changed as it became connected with Seolleung, the tomb of King Seongjong of Joseon. In 1498, Queen Jeonghyeon extensively renovated the temple east of Seolleung and renamed it Bongeunsa. In 1562, the 17th year of King Myeongjong's reign, it was moved to the foot of today's Sudo Mountain under the direction of Queen Munjeong. During the Joseon period, it was a principal temple of the Seon school and a venue for the monk examinations. Seonbuldang Hall is a building that preserves traces of that history.
An on-site route linking the 23 m Maitreya Buddha and 3,438 woodblocks
For first-time visitors, the easiest route to understand is to pass through Jinyeomun Gate and continue to Beopwangnu Pavilion and Daeungjeon Hall. Bongeunsa calls its first gate Jinyeomun, corresponding to the Iljumun gate at general Buddhist temples, and there is a three-story stone pagoda in front of Daeungjeon Hall. Since religious services may be held there, it is best to refrain from photography and conversation inside the building.
In front of Mireukjeon Hall, behind Daeungjeon Hall, stands the 23-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha, completed in 1996. Continuing to Panjeon Hall, visitors can see 3,438 Buddhist scripture woodblocks, including the Excerpts from the Avatamsaka Sutra. The signboard of Panjeon is known to bear calligraphy left by Chusa Kim Jeong-hui three days before his death in 1856. Allow 60–90 minutes for a leisurely basic route covering Daeungjeon Hall, the Maitreya Buddha, and Panjeon Hall.
135 m from Exit 1 of Bongeunsa Station on Line 9, and 600 m from Samseong Station
The shortest walk is from Exit 1 of Bongeunsa Station on Seoul Subway Line 9. According to Seoul city information, Bongeunsa Temple is about 135 m from the exit, and after crossing the main road, visitors can see the temple entrance across from COEX. From Exit 6 of Samseong Station on Line 2, walk about 600 m toward ASEM Tower to reach the temple access road.
If you are traveling by bus, trunk buses 143, 146, 301, 333, 341, 342, 343, 345, 360, 401, and 740, as well as branch buses 2413, 2415, 3217, 3411, 3412, 3414, and 4318, operate around COEX and Bongeunsa. Starfield COEX Mall on COEX's basement level 1 is across from the temple, so if you combine the visits with an indoor itinerary, it is safest to allow about 10 extra minutes, including time to cross at the crosswalk.
Free admission and open year-round; confirm plans at 02-3218-4800 before visiting
Bongeunsa Temple is open year-round, and admission to the grounds is listed as free. The main telephone number is 02-3218-4800, and the official website is https://www.bongeunsa.org. Published operating hours vary by source, including 03:00–22:00 and 04:00–24:00. For visits early in the morning, late at night, or on the day of a Buddhist service, it is best to call the main number to confirm the day's access hours and whether events are scheduled.
No reservation is needed simply to sightsee, but programs such as temple stays, tea ceremony, sound meditation, and gold-copying sutras may have different advance-registration requirements and schedules. Foreign visitors should contact the official website or call in advance to ask whether language support is available for temple etiquette guidance and temple-stay inquiries. The grounds include a mixture of stone paths and slopes, so wheelchair and stroller users should plan mainly around the level section from Jinyeomun Gate to Daeungjeon Hall and adjust the detailed route according to on-site guidance.
Parking lot open 03:00–22:00; free for 30 minutes, then 500 won per 10 minutes
Bongeunsa has its own parking lot, but publicly available parking information lists its hours as 03:00–22:00. The first 30 minutes are free, the basic fee for 60 minutes is 3,000 won, and the fee thereafter is 500 won per 10 minutes. Since the lot may be full on temple event days and weekends, using Line 9 is more predictable.
It is important not to confuse this with COEX parking. COEX parking follows a separate system of 1,500 won per 15 minutes and 60,000 won for a full day, which differs from Bongeunsa's parking fees. If you are driving, set the navigation destination to “531 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul,” rather than the COEX Mall address provided by the user, so that you are directed to the Bongeunsa entrance.
Red plum blossoms around Yeonggak Hall and changing scenes of lanterns around Buddha's Birthday
If you are visiting in spring, the red plum blossoms around Yeonggak Hall are among the first sights to catch your eye. A Seoul city report dated March 31, 2025, introduced Bongeunsa's red plum blossoms as spring flowers that can be seen early in Seoul, and a photo record from March 2026 also mentioned the Yeonggak area as a viewing spot. Since blooming varies with temperatures each year, it is better to check temple news before visiting between late March and early April.
Around Buddha's Birthday, lanterns for the celebration are installed from Jinyeomun Gate through Beopwangnu Pavilion to the courtyard in front of Daeungjeon Hall. Pedestrian numbers may increase during this period, so if photography is your sole purpose, choose early morning and avoid photographing people participating in services or prayers from the front. In summer, lotus ponds and lantern scenes have appeared in press photographs, but flowering and event schedules change every year.
When combining it with a COEX itinerary, allow 90 minutes for the temple and 30 minutes for Starfield Library
Since Bongeunsa is across from COEX, it is easy to combine with visits to the exhibition center, Starfield Library, and ASEM Plaza. Allow 60–90 minutes for the temple alone, or 90–120 minutes if you want to walk leisurely from Jinyeomun Gate through Daeungjeon Hall, the Maitreya Buddha, Panjeon Hall, and the area near Daraeheon. When crossing from the north gate of COEX to the temple, allow for waiting at traffic signals and time to cross the road.
This destination may not suit travelers expecting a quiet mountain hermitage. Teheran-ro, the World Trade Center, and high-rise buildings stand directly beside the temple, and that contrast itself explains Bongeunsa's presence today. Conversely, for those who want to compare a temple founded in 794, a royal renovation in 1498, and the 1996 Maitreya Buddha along one route, it is a destination that compresses Seoul's urban transformation into a single visit.
Before You Go
- Address
- 531 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Hours
- Varies by information source (listed as 03:00–22:00 or 04:00–24:00). Calling 02-3218-4800 before early-morning or late-night visits is recommended
- Closed
- Open year-round
- Admission
- Free
- Phone
- 02-3218-4800
- Official site
- https://www.bongeunsa.org
- Transport
- About 135 m from Exit 1 of Bongeunsa Station on Subway Line 9. About 600 m toward ASEM Tower from Exit 6 of Samseong Station on Line 2. Nearby trunk buses: 143, 146, 301, 333, 341, 342, 343, 345, 360, 401, 740; branch buses: 2413, 2415, 3217, 3411, 3412, 3414, 4318
- Parking
- Bongeunsa parking lot available. According to public information: 03:00–22:00, first 30 minutes free, 3,000 won for 60 minutes, then 500 won per 10 minutes. Subject to on-site changes
- Time needed
- 60–90 minutes for the basic route; 90–120 minutes for a leisurely visit
- Accessibility
- Plan mainly around the section from Jinyeomun Gate to Daeungjeon Hall. Since there are stone paths and slopes, wheelchair and stroller users should check on-site guidance. Advance inquiries are recommended regarding foreign-language support for programs
The information above is current as of the time of writing. Check the official information again before visiting.
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