15+ most famous & best temples in Korea

July 22, 2024

Where is the ideal place for a spiritual group but passionate about “virtual living”? Save the list of famous Korean temples and pagodas below! In this article we will introduce to you 16 best temples in Korea, famous buddhist temple in South Korea, famous temples in South Korea, most famous temple in South Korea as follows!

In a busy life, all of us long to find a peaceful place, to heal and regenerate positive energy. And perhaps, there is no place more suitable than ancient temples, where the soul is purified and the mind is at peace.

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In the heart of the land of kimchi, next to the skyscraping modern architecture are pure and peaceful temples. Korean temples are not only sacred places of worship but also architectural masterpieces imbued with the cultural and spiritual imprint of the land of kimchi.

Come visit the most famous and beautiful temples in Korea suggested by Klook below!

Beomeosa Temple – Busan (#best temples in Korea)

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Located in the romantic Geumjeongsan Mountain, Beomeosa Temple in Busan is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Korea. With a history of more than 1,300 years, Beomeosa is a living testament to the longevity of the country’s Buddhist culture.

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Stepping into the temple, visitors will be attracted by the traditional architecture with mossy stone walls and peaceful gardens. The peaceful space here is like an invitation to visitors to temporarily put aside the chaos of life to find peace in their souls.

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Visitors can participate in traditional cultural activities such as the Yebul ceremony, meditate, or make their own lanterns for good luck. Beomeosa Temple is also a place to organize training courses for monks, with the strict spiritual practice of Korean Buddhism.

Address: No. 546, Cheongryong-dong, Geumjeong-gu, Busan
Hours: 8 AM–5:30 PM

Hongbeopsa Temple – Busan

source: https://koreantempleguide.com/ | best temples in Korea

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Hongbeopsa Temple is an ideal destination for those who want to seek tranquility and immerse themselves in a spiritual space. When you come to the temple, you will immediately see a green garden stretching to the center. And the highlight that makes the temple famous is the tallest Amitabha Buddha statue in Korea, 21m high, majestically located on a 45m high lotus pedestal.

source: tripadvisor | best temples in Korea

In addition, you can also admire Buddha statues with many different shapes and colors, placed in the garden. Each statue has a unique feature, containing hidden stories and lessons about Buddhism.

Hongbeopsa is also a place to organize traditional Buddhist cultural activities to show respect and pray for good luck. Join these activities to understand more about Korean Buddhist culture and find peace of mind!

Address: 202, Dugu-ro 33beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple – Busan

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is a spiritual place that attracts tourists because of its elegant beauty and unique location by the sea in northeast Busan. Built in 1376, this 600-year-old ancient temple is located right on the cliff, facing the vast ocean.

Haedong Yonggungsa busan (1) — Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

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The ancient temple has traditional Korean architecture, with a curved roof, sturdy stone walls and sacred statues. Visitors to the temple can admire traditional Korean architecture, understand Buddhism and relax in the serene gardens. Besides, Haedong Yonggungsa Pagoda is also an ideal place for visitors to pray, worship and find peace of mind.

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Address: 86 Yonggung-gil, Gijang-gun, Busan
Hours: 5 AM–7:30 PM

Seokbulsa Temple – Busan

On the slopes of Geumjeongsan mountain, Seokbulsa temple is like a charming landscape painting. This place attracts tourists with its peaceful beauty and Buddha statues carved from rocks, 20 to 40 meters high. The pagoda was built by monk Jo Ilhyeon in the 1930s, and quickly became an ideal destination for those seeking serenity and immersion in nature.

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Entering the temple grounds, you will be greeted by the sound of birds singing, the ringing of temple bells and the faint incense of incense. The trail up the mountain winds through the green forest, leading you to majestic Buddha statues. From the top of the mountain, you can see the majestic natural scenery of Busan.

Address: 143-79 Mandeokgogae-gil, Buk-gu, Busan
Hours: 7 AM–4:30 PM

Bulguksa Temple – Gyeongju

Gyeongju, the ancient capital of Korea, contains countless historical and cultural heritages. Prominent among them is Bulguksa Temple, a Buddhist temple recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage. You can stroll in the temple grounds, admire the Buddha statues, visit the beautiful gardens, and enjoy the fresh, cool air.

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In addition, you can also visit traditional souvenir stalls and buy unique gifts to take home as souvenirs. Bulguksa Temple is also a venue for traditional cultural activities such as Buddhist festivals, creating opportunities for visitors to fully experience Korean culture.

Address: 385, Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Seokguram Temple – Gyeongju

Seokguram Buddha Cave Entrance | best temples in Korea

Built between 751 and 774, Seokguram Grotto is a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture that demonstrates the sophistication and artistic talent of the Silla people. The highlight of Seokguram Grotto is the majestic Shakyamuni Buddha statue, located in the center of the cave. Around the statue are 38 other statues, including Bodhisattvas, Buddha disciples and guardian deities, creating a sacred and solemn space.

Buddha statue carved from stone is extremely sophisticated | best temples in Korea

Visitors to Seokguram Grotto can admire the cave’s impressive architecture, created from white granite. In addition, you can also participate in activities such as walking on Tohamsan Mountain, admiring the majestic natural scenery, or participating in traditional Buddhist rituals.

Address: 873-243, Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Hours: 9 AM–6 PM

Seonamsa Temple – South Jeolla

Located on the slopes of Jogyesan Mountain, Seonamsa Temple is one of the most beautiful and famous temples in South Jeolla. Built in the 6th century, Seonamsa Temple is an important Buddhist center of the Honam region, imbued with a long history and beautiful architecture.

Seonamsa Temple is famous for its traditional mountain temple architecture, with many buildings arranged in tiers, creating a harmonious and majestic whole. This place also preserves many precious cultural treasures, such as the Seonammae tree – a national natural heritage, and the Seungseongyo bridge – an ancient architectural masterpiece.

Visitors to Seonamsa can participate in many interesting activities, such as hiking on Jogyesan Mountain to admire the majestic natural landscape, participating in traditional Buddhist rituals, or simply finding peace in the countryside. sacred space of the temple.

Address: 450 Seonamsa-gil, Seungju-eup, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do
Hours: Open 24 hours

Yeongju Buseoksa Temple – Gyeongsangbuk-do

Buseoksa Temple, also known as the “Temple of the Floating Stone”, is one of the most famous temples in Korea. Founded in 676 by the famous monk Uisang-daesa on the orders of King Munmu of Silla, Buseoksa has a long history and great cultural value.

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Buseoksa is the center of Hwaeom Buddhism, one of the most important Buddhist sects in Korea. The pagoda is also home to precious Buddhist works of art, including the Amita-bul statue, the Uisang-daesa statue, and unique murals.

Buseoksa is not only a spiritual destination, but also an attractive tourist destination with poetic natural landscapes and ancient architecture. Visitors to Buseoksa will experience the beauty of Korean Buddhist culture, and learn about the temple’s long history.

Address: 345, Buseoksa-ro, Buseok-myeon, Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Jikjisa Temple – Gyeongsangbuk-do

source: https://koreantempleguide.com/jikjisa-temple

Jikjisa Temple, located in Gyeongsangbuk-do province, is one of the most ancient and sacred temples in Korea. Built in 418 by Venerable Ado, Jikjisa has a long history and is a testament to the development of Buddhism in the Korean peninsula.

The name “Jikjisa” means “pointing directly” to the original consciousness, reflecting the spirit of Zen Buddhism (Seon). At Jikjisa, visitors can participate in Templestay programs and experience monastic life according to traditional Buddhist rituals. The program includes activities such as chanting, meditation, worship, and bead making.

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You can also visit the temple’s impressive architectural works such as the Great Hall and the three-story stone tower. Jikjisa is also a place that preserves many valuable cultural heritages, allowing you to learn about the history and culture of Korean Buddhism.

Address: 95 Jikjisa-gil, Daehang-myeon, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Woljeongsa Temple – Gangwon-do

If you want to find a peaceful place with picturesque landscapes, don’t miss Woljeongsa Temple! Prominent in the architecture of Woljeongsa Temple is the nine-story stone tower, a National Treasure of Korea. The stone tower was built during the Goryeo period, with intricately carved motifs, demonstrating the talent of the artisans at that time.

In addition to impressive architecture, Woljeongsa Temple also attracts tourists by its poetic natural scenery. The pine forest surrounding the temple, especially beautiful when covered with white snow in winter, is the romantic setting of the famous movie “Goblin”, allowing you to freely capture beautiful moments like in the movie.

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Visitors to Woljeongsa Temple can participate in many experiential activities such as visiting altars, listening to stories about Korean Buddhist history and culture, meditating, tea ceremony, making flower lanterns, and eating food. perform the beads stringing ceremony.

Address: 63-1 Dongsan-ri, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do

Naksansa Temple – Gangwon-do

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Located on the slopes of Obong Mountain, one of the three famous mountains of the Taebaek Mountains, Naksansa Temple is a spiritual destination that attracts tourists with its charming beauty and sacredness. The pagoda was built more than 1,300 years ago, where stories about Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, the great compassionate Buddha in Mahayana Buddhism, are kept.

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In particular, the statue of Avalokiteshvara facing the sea here is one of the largest Buddha statues in Asia, carved from high-quality granite, bringing a feeling of majesty and purity. In addition to its impressive architecture, Naksansa also attracts tourists by its majestic natural scenery, with rolling mountains and vast blue sea. Explore this temple now to heal your soul amidst the vast ocean and sky and the pure space of Naksansa.

Address: 100 Naksansa-ro, Ganghyeon-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do

Yongmun Temple – Gyeonggi-do

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Built during the Silla period and restored under King Sejong of the Joseon Dynasty, Yongmun Pagoda is rich in history and culture. The pagoda is an ideal destination for those who want to find peace and admire the wild natural beauty.

Yongmunsa is famous for its ancient ginkgo tree, estimated to be more than 1,100 years old and over 60 meters tall, the biggest ginkgo tree in Korea. Visitors can walk up to the pagoda and admire the beautiful natural scenery, especially in autumn when the leaves turn bright yellow. In addition to visiting the temple and the ginkgo tree, visitors can also conquer the trails around Yongmunsan Mountain, discovering the wild beauty of nature.

Address: 782, Yongmunsan-ro, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

Jogyesa Temple – Seoul

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Jogyesa Temple is one of the symbols of Korean Buddhism, located right in the center of Seoul. This is the headquarters of Korea’s largest Buddhist organization Jogye-jong, and is an ideal place for tourists to learn about Buddhism and experience traditional culture.

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Jogyesa Temple is famous for its architecture bearing the mark of Korean history and culture. You can visit highlights such as the Four Heavenly Kings, Daeungjeon Temple with its ancient Heonhwa tree, Relics Stupa, and Beomjoon Gru (Brahma bell pavilion).

Jogyesa Temple is also home to many traditional festivals, such as the Yeon Deung Hoe festival (lotus lantern festival in Seoul) in April – May every year.

Address: 55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno District, Seoul

Jingwansa Temple – Seoul

Jingwansa Temple is one of the famous temples in Seoul, with peaceful and quiet beauty. This place was built in 1011 to commemorate the monk Jingwan, who saved the life of the 8th king of the Goryeo Dynasty, Hyeon-jong.

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Jingwansa Temple has the typical architecture of Korean Buddhist temples, with ancient buildings and serene gardens. Visitors can visit highlights such as Great Hall of Daeungjeon – a place to worship Shakyamuni Buddha, Myeongbujeon – a place to pray for the spirits of the deceased, and ancient buildings that store precious artifacts.

In addition to sightseeing, visitors can participate in cultural activities such as meditation, tea ceremony, and participate in a temple stay program. Jingwansa also celebrates Suryukje, a Buddhist ceremony held in leap years to provide food and Buddha’s teachings to the spirits.

Address: 73 Jingwan-gil, Eunpyeong District, Seoul

Gyeonggijeon Temple – Jeollabuk-do

Located right next to the entrance to Jeonju Hanok Village, Gyeonggijeon Temple is an attractive destination for tourists because of its ancient beauty and long history. This ancient temple houses a portrait of King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, bearing strong royal imprints.

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At the temple, you can visit the Jeonjusago National Archives, which houses the Joseon Dynasty Chronicles, or the Royal Portrait Archives Museum, which displays portraits of prominent Joseon kings.

From Omokdae, the highest point of Gyeonggijeon Temple, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful Jeonju Hanok village. The temple was once the setting for romantic movies in the movie “Moonlight Drawn by Clouds”, so don’t miss the opportunity to recreate romantic movie scenes and take beautiful photos!

Address: 44, Taejo-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do

Guinsa Temple – Chungcheongbuk-do

Guinsa Temple was established in 1945, is the headquarters of the Cheontae sect of Korean Buddhism, and is also the administrative center of more than 140 temples across the country. The temple is ranked by many Korean travel magazines as one of the top impressive destinations because of its beautiful natural scenery, with colorful maple and ginkgo leaves in the fall.

The architecture of Guinsa Temple is typical of Korean Buddhist temples, but with high-rise buildings, creating a unique visual experience when viewed from above. Visitors here can participate in activities such as admiring the unique architecture of the temple, strolling around the romantic natural scenery, and enjoying free vegetarian dishes grown right at the pagoda’s farm.

Address: 73 Guinsa-gil, Yeongchun-myeon, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do

Tranquil Korean temples are ideal attractions for those who want to find peace and explore the culture of the land of kimchi. The traditional religious architecture and peaceful atmosphere will help you heal and find moments of peace for your soul.

The post first appeared on Klook Vietnam and was translated and edited by Living Nomads. If you find any images or text that belong to you, please contact us, so we can credit you or give us permission to use them. Thank you very much!

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