Discover Korea Like Never Before
Not all temples in Seoul are bustling with tourists.
There are still places as quiet as the wind.
These are the spaces where locals catch their breath.
Seoul may be a city of dazzling lights and busy movements,
But within it, there are spaces where time stands still.
This article introduces five temples that may not be well-known to travelers,
But are where Seoul residents find true ‘rest’.
This is a story for those who want to pause for a moment.
Gilsangsa Temple – From Luxury Restaurant to Space of Tranquility
As you walk up the alleyways of Seongbuk-dong, nestled among trees,
Gilsangsa offers a serene gaze rare to find in the heart of Seoul.
With each step on the stone path, noise fades away, and your mind becomes quiet.
Once an upscale Korean restaurant, it transformed into a temple when the owner donated their entire fortune to Buddhism, creating a unique space.
Because it was originally a luxury restaurant, the temple’s scenery differs somewhat from traditional temples.
However, this makes it more comfortable for non-Buddhists to walk around and meditate.
The modern Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva sculpture at Gilsangsa was commissioned by Monk Beopjeong, who requested it from a Catholic sculptor as a gesture of religious harmony.
Because of this significance, Cardinal Stephen Kim Sou-hwan personally visited the temple and gave a congratulatory speech at its founding ceremony.
This Avalokitesvara statue has a similar atmosphere to the Virgin Mary, which some long-time Buddhist practitioners find a bit unfamiliar.
The sculptor who created this statue also created the Virgin Mary statue at Hyehwa-dong Cathedral in Jongno-gu, Seoul.
These two statues resemble each other like sisters.
During your trip, if you pass through Hyehwa-dong, visit the cathedral and enjoy comparing the two.
Gilsangsa also features a beautiful garden and pond that offer different charms with each season, particularly stunning scenery in spring and fall.
●Tip
Nearby are the Woori Yeotdol Museum specializing in stone artifacts and the Korean Furniture Museum.
●Address
68 Seonjam-ro 5-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul (Gilsangsa Temple, Jogye Order)
●How to get there
Hansung University Station (Line 4), Exit 6 → Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture Theater Creation Center bus stop → Take village bus Seongbuk 02 → Get off at Gilsangsa
Hwagyesa Temple – A Mountain Temple for Meditation in Seoul
A temple nestled against the slopes of Bukhansan Mountain
Not far from the city center, the air and atmosphere change from the moment you start climbing.
Embraced by forests and valleys, this representative temple of Gangbuk-gu offers the comfort of nature and the tranquility of a mountain temple.
Hwagyesa is a traditional temple belonging to the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.
It serves as the center for Seon (Zen) meditation practice and international missionary work, with more than 120 Seon centers worldwide and foreign practitioners gathering at the Hwagyesa International Seon Center to study Korean Buddhism.
Surrounded by Bukhansan Mountain, it’s a place where you can fully experience the changing seasons and the beauty of nature.
For hiking enthusiasts, it’s also a popular starting point for Bukhansan Mountain trails.
The beautiful dancheong (traditional decorative coloring) inside the temple, Buddha statues, and the surrounding lush forest offer visitors a peaceful time. Various temple stay programs are available, making it a great place to experience Korean Buddhist culture during your trip.
●Temple Stay
Advance reservations are required. Reservation
●Tip
Visit on weekday mornings for an even quieter atmosphere.
●Address
117 Hwagyesa-gil, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul
●How to get there
Suyu Station (Line 4), Exit 3 → Transfer to green village bus No. 2 → Get off at Hanshin University
Jinkwansa Temple – A Temple Made of Simplicity and Earth
This is a direct temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, located near Bukhansan National Park.
Along with Bulamsa Temple in the east, Sammaksa Temple in the south, and Seunggasa Temple in the north, Jinkwansa Temple in the west has been considered one of the four famous temples in the Seoul area since ancient times.
Jinkwansa also has strong connections to Korea’s independence movement.
In 2009, during the dismantling and restoration of the Chilseong-gak (the name of the temple hall), a Taegeukgi (Korean national flag) and Independence Newspaper were discovered, believed to have been hidden by Monk Baekchowol, an independence activist at Jinkwansa.
These historical traces are now on display at Jinkwansa — definitely worth checking out.
Beyond its historical significance,
It’s relatively quiet as it’s a bit removed from the city center and features a beautiful Daeungjeon (Main Buddha Hall) and stone pagoda.
The temple is particularly beautiful in spring when cherry blossoms and in autumn when fall foliage embrace it.
Well-maintained walking paths surround the area, making it an ideal place to take a leisurely stroll and organize your thoughts.
This place is also famous for traditional temple food and temple stay programs.
It’s a space where you can quietly think about yourself without words.
Surrounded by forest, even the wind blows slowly,
Making it the perfect place to practice “letting go of thoughts” with nature.
●Traditional temple food
Enjoy the traditional food of Korean temples. Temple Food
●Temple Stay
Advance reservations are required. Reservation
●Tip
It’s close to Eunpyeong Hanok Village, making it convenient to visit both places!
●Address
73 Jingwan-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul
●How to get there
Gupabal Station (Line 3), Exit 2 → Take bus 7211 → Get off at Hanago.Samcheonsa.Jinkwansa entrance
Bongwonsa Temple – A Small, Quiet Hill at the End of Yeonhui-dong
At the edge of Yeonhui-dong filled with cafes and bookstores,
This temple greets you as you climb a quiet uphill path.
Located in Seodaemun-gu, Bongwonsa is a temple with a long history dating back to the Silla Dynasty. Though small in scale, its wooden pillars, roof tiles, gentle breeze, and the view of Seoul below blend together.
To create a feeling like a hidden retreat on a neighborhood hill.
With its serene atmosphere, this temple is a great place for quiet meditation despite its proximity to the city center, as it remains unknown to many tourists.
●Tip
The small garden path behind the main hall is recommended as a photo spot! Make sure to visit.
●Address
120 Bongwonsa-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
●How to get there
-Sinchon Station (Line 2), Exit 4 → Bus 7024 → Last stop (15 minutes)
-Dongnimmun Station (Line 3), Exit 4 → Bus 7024 → 5 minutes (walking from Dongnimmun Station is recommended)
Suguksa Temple – A Golden Hall Overlooking a Royal Tomb
Located right next to Seoreung, a UNESCO World Heritage site,
You’ll find Suguksa Temple just beyond a quiethill, is not well-known to many.
Completed in 1995 as the largest golden hall in the East and the first in Korea,
Except for the roof tiles, the entire interior and exterior of the building was gilded with 100% pure gold 개금불사(a Buddhist ritual of applying gold to Buddha statues), catching everyone’s attention.
It’s a place where historical tranquility resides alongside the Wooden Amitabha Buddha Statue from the Goryeo Dynasty (designated as a treasure) and various Buddhist paintings (religious paintings depicting Buddhist content).
Situated at a high point in the city, it’s an optimal place for meditation, a hidden gem that many don’t know about.
Visiting at sunset allows you to find peace of mind along with Seoul’s beautiful night view.
It feels more like a place where time stands still rather than a tourist attraction.
●Temple Stay
Advance reservations are required. Reservation
●Tip
Recommended as a place for relaxation-focused temple stays, perfect for quietly sitting, writing, or meditating.
●Address
8-5 Seoreung-ro 23-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul
●How to get there
Gusan Station (Line 6), Exit 3 → Located 1km toward Seoreung (about 10 minutes)
Notes When Visiting Temples
- All are accessible by public transportation + walking.
- There are no entrance fees.
- Temple stays require separate reservations (available at some temples).
- As temples are religious spaces, please respect the quiet, meditative atmosphere.
- Some temples hold events where you can hang roof tiles or lanterns with your wishes by making a donation.
- Most temples have cafes where you can enjoy light refreshments.
Editor’s Note
Even in Seoul, a city that never stops,
These temples offer us the precious gift of ‘pausing’.
It’s okay if you’re not a Buddhist.
With a quiet heart and open mind,
These places can be peaceful spaces for anyone to take a brief rest.
While famous tourist attractions are great when traveling in Korea,
How about stopping for a moment at these quiet temples
And experiencing the havens where Seoul residents find their daily peace?
You’ll surely encounter a different side of Korea.
Korea Navigator’s Discover series brings you to places beyond the obvious.
If you’ve found peace here, imagine where else we can go.
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