Bongwonsa Temple
봉원사
Temple in Seodaemun-gu. Hours not confirmed. Plan about 45 minutes. 18 min walk from Dongnimmun Station.
Good to know
About
Information: Korea Tourism Organization (TourAPI)Located on the outskirts of Ansan Mountain in Bongwon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Bongwonsa Temple, as the center of Korean Buddhism Taego, is a thousand-year-old temple with a long history and tradition. In 889 (3rd year of Shilla Queen Jinseong’s reign), Monk Doseon founded it at the ground of Yeonhui Palace (now Yonsei Univ.) and named it Banyasa temple. It was destroyed during the Imjin War in 1592, and later in 1748 (the 24th year of Joseon King Yeongjo’s reign), it was rebuilt and renamed “Bongwonsa” by two Buddhist monks, Chanjeup and Jeungam.
“Yeongsanjae,” one of the Buddhist rituals and also a National Intangible Cultural Property, takes place at Bongwonsa on June 6 every year wishing for world peace and the reunification of North and South Korea. It was designated as one of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009. During Yeongsanjae, visitors can enjoy the Buddhist arts such as Beompae (Buddhist temple music for rituals) and dancing. Also, during summertime, Seoul Lotus Flower Culture Festival takes place, where visitors can enjoy the beautiful lotus flowers which are a symbol of Buddhism.
Our guide
Bongwonsa Temple is 30 min from Seoul Station on bus 7024 and 30 min from Hongik Univ. (Line 2 to Sinchon, then bus 7024); from Myeongdong 40 min (Line 4 to Chungmuro, Line 3 to Dongnimmun, then on foot) and from Gangnam about 1 h. From Incheon Airport allow about 1 h 25 (AREX to Digital Media City, the Gyeongui–Jungang Line to Sinchon, then bus 7024) and 45 min from Gimpo.
Staying near Bongwonsa: our lodging data records no hotels within 1.2 km of the temple, and 25 guesthouses. By our estimate the closest areas we suggest for a base are Sinchon Station (21 min by bus 7024 and on foot) with 26 hotels within walking distance of the station, Seodaemun Station (22 min) with 22, and Ewha Womans Univ. Station (25 min, by bus 742) with 24.
Travel times are estimates from our transit model, Oct 2026.
Pairs well with
Within a 20-minute walk.
Where to stay near Bongwonsa Temple
Areas with the shortest trip here, on foot or by public transit.
From each area’s main station, on foot or by public transit. Our estimates (Nov 2026).
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