Jogyesa Temple Seoul
Seoul's spiritual heart, Jogyesa Temple offers a serene escape with vibrant lanterns and ancient charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Jogyesa Temple Seoul
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Seoul's spiritual heart, Jogyesa Temple offers a serene escape with vibrant lanterns and ancient charm.
"A beautiful and peaceful oasis in the heart of Seoul, especially magical during lantern festivals."
🚶♀️ Easy Access from Insadong
Jogyesa is just a block from Insadong, making it easy to combine with palace visits. :world_map:
🏮 Lantern Festival Magic
Experience the temple illuminated by thousands of lanterns during Buddha's Birthday. :sparkler:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Daeungjeon Hall
Main Sanctuary
The heart of Jogyesa, this grand hall houses a magnificent seated Buddha statue, a focal point for devotion and awe.
Colorful Lanterns
Temple Grounds
Adorning the temple, especially during festivals, these vibrant lanterns create a magical and photogenic spectacle.
Ancient Trees
Temple Courtyard
Majestic, centuries-old trees provide shade and a sense of timeless serenity within the temple grounds.
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Easy Access from Insadong
Jogyesa is just a block from Insadong, making it easy to combine with palace visits. :world_map:
🏮 Lantern Festival Magic
Experience the temple illuminated by thousands of lanterns during Buddha's Birthday. :sparkler:
🤫 Quiet Hours
You might be able to roam quietly after closing if monks are winding down. :zzz:
🙏 Respectful Attire
Dress modestly to show respect for this active place of worship.
Which buddhist temple do you recommend?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy Access from Insadong
Jogyesa is just a block from Insadong, making it easy to combine with palace visits. :world_map:
🏮 Lantern Festival Magic
Experience the temple illuminated by thousands of lanterns during Buddha's Birthday. :sparkler:
🤫 Quiet Hours
You might be able to roam quietly after closing if monks are winding down. :zzz:
🙏 Respectful Attire
Dress modestly to show respect for this active place of worship.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Jogyesa Temple for its serene atmosphere and beautiful architecture, especially the vibrant lanterns during festivals. Its central location makes it a convenient and accessible spiritual oasis in bustling Seoul. Some find the temple grounds can get crowded during peak times or events.
"I happened to pass by on May 5th, Children’s Day, and decided to go in since it looked lively.
The decorations were beautiful, creating a festive and vibrant atmosphere."
TooGood
"Strange vibes. Beautiful buildings. Did not dare to enter the temple inside (it was visible from outside) as it seemed all the foreigners just gathered outside the temple observing the locals praying. To be honest, I have been to many buddhist temples (close to 50 soon), and I have always entered inside the main building. In this case I could feel the heavy eyes of the local people as why we, the foreigners were bothering even to go there when this was not our religion. I felt so unwelcome specifically when a local older guard came out of one of the side prayer halls and stood outside the entrance as he was wondering why I was taking so long time to capture so many pictures (with my phone). He basically went outside and started staring at me. Never had a similar experience at a Buddhist temple and I have actually been to 10 Buddhist countries so far."
Lora Olsen
"Visited this very beautiful temple a couple of days ago. Beautifully decorated to commemorate Buddhas birthday month.
Entered the premises to the presence of a large drum - a small stick nearby is used strike the drum thrice and to make a wish.
Entered the temple premises to many people in deep meditation and chanting. Participated to this very spiritual atmosphere in awed silence on my part.
The three large golden statues of the seated Buddha give a very serene aura. The traditional temple is beautifully painted, inside and out.
🙏🏽🙏🏽Very peaceful and serene atmosphere!! 🙏🏽🙏🏽"
Pranay Gandhi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Jogyesa Temple is conveniently located near Insadong. Take the Seoul Subway to Anguk Station (Line 3) and walk for about 6 minutes, or take Jonggak Station (Line 1) and walk for about 10 minutes.
Yes, it's very accessible by subway. The closest stations are Anguk Station (Line 3) and Jonggak Station (Line 1), both within a short walking distance.
Taxis are readily available in Seoul and can drop you off near the temple entrance. It's a good option if you prefer direct transport.
Absolutely! Jogyesa Temple is a stone's throw from the popular Insadong district, known for its traditional crafts and tea houses. It's also a reasonable distance from Gyeongbokgung Palace.
From Myeongdong, take Subway Line 4 to Chungmuro Station, transfer to Line 3, and alight at Anguk Station. From there, it's a short walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Jogyesa Temple is a place of worship and generally offers free admission to its grounds. Donations are welcome.
The temple grounds are typically open from 4:00 AM to 10:30 PM daily. However, specific building access might vary.
While the main buildings close around 6 PM, the temple grounds may remain accessible later. Some visitors have reported being able to roam quietly after hours.
No advance booking is required for general visits to Jogyesa Temple as there is no admission fee.
Jogyesa Temple has generally remained open even during nearby public events or protests, with no announced closures.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted on the temple grounds, but always be mindful of worshippers and avoid intrusive shots.
The main hall with the Buddha statue, the colorful lanterns (especially during festivals), and the ancient trees are popular photo subjects.
It's best to avoid photographing monks directly unless they give explicit permission. Respect their privacy.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at religious sites to ensure peace and prevent disturbance. Check local regulations if unsure.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, while evenings can be magical with temple lighting, especially during festivals.
🎫 🙏 Onsite Experience
You can admire the architecture, observe Buddhist practices, enjoy the serene atmosphere, and learn about Korean Buddhism. Some visitors have participated in making lotus flower lanterns.
Yes, despite its central location, Jogyesa offers a peaceful sanctuary for quiet contemplation and reflection.
Occasionally, temples like Jogyesa host cultural events or workshops, such as making lotus lanterns, especially around Buddhist holidays.
Jogyesa is the center of Zen Buddhism in Korea and holds significant historical and cultural importance as the main temple of the Jogye Order.
While you can observe ceremonies respectfully, active participation might be limited to followers. It's best to inquire respectfully if you wish to join.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a good opportunity to introduce children to different cultures and religions in a calm setting. Encourage them to observe quietly and explain the significance of the temple in simple terms. While there aren't specific play areas, the serene environment itself can be a refreshing change of pace from more active tourist spots.
🧘 Solo Travelers & Spiritual Seekers
Take your time to wander through the grounds, observe the rituals, and soak in the spiritual ambiance. It's a place to disconnect from the city's hustle and reconnect with yourself. The temple's accessibility also makes it easy to incorporate into a day of personal exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Korean Buddhism
Beyond its architectural beauty, Jogyesa is a living center of Buddhist practice. Visitors can often witness monks going about their daily routines, and the atmosphere, even in the bustling city center, is one of profound peace. The temple is especially renowned for its vibrant celebrations during Buddha's Birthday, when the grounds are adorned with thousands of colorful lanterns, creating a truly magical spectacle.
For those interested in experiencing the spiritual side of Seoul, Jogyesa offers a unique opportunity. While it's an active place of worship, the temple is welcoming to visitors who approach with respect and a desire to learn. The presence of ancient trees within the temple grounds adds to the sense of timelessness and tranquility, providing a serene escape from the urban environment.
Navigating Jogyesa Temple: Practicalities and Etiquette
When visiting, remember that Jogyesa is an active place of worship. It's important to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and to maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor. Avoid loud conversations or disruptive behavior that could disturb monks or other visitors. Photography is generally allowed, but always be mindful of people praying and avoid intrusive shots.
During major Buddhist festivals, especially Buddha's Birthday, the temple becomes a hub of activity and is beautifully decorated with lanterns. While these events are spectacular, they also attract larger crowds. If you prefer a more tranquil experience, consider visiting on a weekday morning.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit