City: Seoul
Top Things to do in Seoul
What to do and see in Seoul, South Korea: The Best Sacred & Religious Sites
Seoul is the business and cultural hub of South Korea, where skyscrapers tower over Buddhist temples. Take it all in from the N Seoul Tower, built atop a peak in Namsan Park. The teahouses and shops of Insadong give you a taste of Korean flavor, which you can further experience with a visit to the grounds and museums of Gyeongbokgung. UNESCO World Heritage Site Changdeokgung Palace is a fine example of authentic ancient architecture.
Restaurants in Seoul
1. International Seon Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
The International Seon Center is a modern style of Buddhist Temple in Seoul city as well as Seon (Zen) meditation and Buddhist propagation training center. The center operate a residential temple stay and daily templestay program to offer direct experience of Korean Buddhist culture for both Koreans and international visitors.
2. Bongwonsa Temple
3. Bongeunsa Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,298 reviews
It’s hard to believe that this large, beautiful Buddhist temple is situated in the middle of a bustling metropolis. It’s impossible not to be moved by the beauty and serenity of this enchanting temple. You can even stay overnight for a fee.
Reviewed By 285lawk - Singapore, Singapore
The temple looks boring from the front. Walk further in towards the back and u will see a kind of little forest or park. The autumn foliage is simply gorgeous and out of this world. this place is an easy 500m walk from Coex Mall so u can easily combine this with a visit to Starfield Library and a meal in Coex Mall.
4. Doseonsa Temple
5. Myeong-dong Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,093 reviews
Reviewed By auggie_aj - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Myeongdong Cathedral or Cathedral Church of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception is one of the oldest catholic churches built in Seoul, South Korea. It was completed in the year 1898 and has a gothic design. The highest Roman Catholic prelate resides here. The church has high towers which was controversial during the construction. It is located at a walking distance of Myeongdong metro & Euljiro 3 ga metro stations.
6. Hwagyesa Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By hippohong - South Korea, null
I was able to get close and personal with the residing monks and nuns of Hwagyesa during my overnight stay. It involved doing 108 prostrations and waking up at the crack of dawn, which I feel very proud to have done! Recommended for anybody needing a momentary break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Very close to Suyu station and Bukhansan mountain for convenience.
7. Jogyesa Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,008 reviews
This beautiful, colorful temple is the center of Zen Buddhism in Korea. Equally lovely is the courtyard, which is filled with vibrant lanterns and trees more than 500 years old.
Reviewed By trizamu - Seoul, South Korea
It's a pretty small temple, not much to explore, but it's so worth the visit. Inside the main temple building you can see 3 big golden statues of Buddha (pay attention on where you should take off your shoes). Yet, it's most worth visit on around the end of April, during May, and beginning of June (around the date of Buddha's birthday), since they decorated the whole temple with the most festive looking lanterns! Guaranteed to take the most mesmerizing pictures!
8. Naksan Myogaksa Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By meganhX5276JJ - Brisbane, Australia
We organised this from Australia. Communication was quick and informative, however a I was a little concerned with the language barrier and interpretations. We had the best time. We did the 2 day / 1 night "where is your mind" program and would DEFINATELY recommend. We arrived, met our other participants and chatted, english was the main language despite the various countries we all originated from. There was also a Korean speaking group that integrated with us which was no problem at all. Our Sunin was awesome. She was friendly, her english fantastic, her sense of humour great and no question was too hard or "out of bounds". We started off with what my husband calls "Buddah burpies" the 108 prostrations. This was in your own time and pace. The necklace that you end up making is so very special.... Mind sharing and meditation, lots of lessons and explanations for those of us not accustomed to the Buddhist ways. We participated in at least two Buddhist ceremonies and also the striking of the bell which again is very significant. Sleeping was uncomfortable, but hey - it was only one night. The floor although VERY hard was heated. I think we all tried practising our meditation throughout the night that we had learnt to try and get some rest. The food was yummy and a pleasant surprise. We had been to a monastery in Hong Kong and were very underwhelmed so extremely wary. Your choice on what you eat, only condition is that you eat everything you take. All dishes were labelled with good descriptions. The Tea Ceremony that we finished with was really interesting - to learn the why and not just participate. I would HIGHLY recommend a temple stay. Our initial group split to half (approx 20) after dinner - with those leaving most disappointed that they hadn't booked early enough to spend the night. This was definitely the highlight of our time in Seoul - an opportunity to really experience the ways and customs of tradition. Note - you are provided with pants and a VEST which you are required to wear for the duration of your stay. Make sure you have a top to wear underneath. Also the morning bell ceremony (4.45am) is quite cool - so again, be prepared for the weather.
9. Bubryunsa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
10. Gilsangsa Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By kpiddy - Brisbane, Australia
On our walk back to the subway after a visit to the Korea Furniture Museum we stopped in to wander around the grounds of this Buddhist temple located in Seonguk-dong. The temple was founded only recently in 1997 yet we imagined it had been here for much longer. Entering in through the front gate our eyes were immediately drawn to the rows and rows of colourful lanterns hanging over a large amount of the outside space. The grounds were very peaceful and relaxing. The temple offers a range of Buddhist programs, mediation classes and temple stays. This destination is not near the city centre, the nearest subway station is Hansung University on Line 4, take Exit 6 either walk as we did up hill for twenty minutes or I have read that there is an option to take a bus.
