Pagyesa Temple - white concrete building under blue sky during daytime
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Pagyesa Temple

4.4
·2k reviews·, South Korea

A serene Buddhist temple complex featuring a colossal Buddha statue amidst lush gardens and a tranquil waterfall.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Experience tranquility

CrowdLow
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Pagyesa Temple - white concrete building under blue sky during daytime

Pagyesa Temple

Best Time

Early mornings

Experience tranquility

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene Buddhist temple complex featuring a colossal Buddha statue amidst lush gardens and a tranquil waterfall.

4.4
(2k reviews)

"A very beautiful temple in a spectacular setting with a giant Buddha that is amazing."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Bring your camera!

The architecture and natural scenery are incredibly photogenic.

👟 Wear comfy shoes

You'll be walking a lot to explore the grounds and reach the Buddha.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Giant Buddha Statue

Giant Buddha Statue

Main temple grounds

An awe-inspiring, massive Buddha statue set against lush greenery. A truly breathtaking sight.

Reddit
Serene Temple Grounds

Serene Temple Grounds

Throughout the complex

Explore peaceful pathways, ancient and reconstructed temples, and tranquil gardens.

Reddit
Cascading Waterfall & Stream

Cascading Waterfall & Stream

Path to the Buddha statue

A relaxing short walk featuring a gentle stream and a beautiful waterfall.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Serenity

Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and experience the temple's peaceful atmosphere. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends. Reddit

Comfortable Footwear Recommended

You'll be doing a fair amount of walking around the scenic grounds and to the Buddha statue. Comfortable shoes are a must for enjoying the architecture and nature. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Experience tranquility
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer visitors
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

my Tokyo Asakusa food crawl itinerary + all my best tips! We hit 8 spots in about 3 hours and made sure to do this on the first day of our Japan trip to get a little taste of everything! These are all affordable, cheap eats within walking distance from each other and located by the famous Senso-ji temple and Nakemisedori shopping street, both of which are worth visiting! Watch for details and wha...
@itshelenmelon
45.8K likes • 671.1K views

📸 Bring your camera!

The architecture and natural scenery are incredibly photogenic. Reddit

👟 Wear comfy shoes

You'll be walking a lot to explore the grounds and reach the Buddha. Reddit

reddit.com

Jogyesa Temple (조계사) in Seoul, South Korea preparing for Buddhas Birthday (석가탄신일)

reddit.com

Jogyesa Temple Statue

🤫 Respect the silence

It's a place of worship, so maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor. Reddit

🔔 Ring the temple bell

A unique experience to participate in a temple ritual. Reddit

reddit.com

Should Jogyesa Temple also be avoided

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Bring your camera!

The architecture and natural scenery are incredibly photogenic. Reddit

👟 Wear comfy shoes

You'll be walking a lot to explore the grounds and reach the Buddha. Reddit

🤫 Respect the silence

It's a place of worship, so maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor. Reddit

🔔 Ring the temple bell

A unique experience to participate in a temple ritual. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Pagyesa Temple for its serene atmosphere and the awe-inspiring giant Buddha statue. The beautiful grounds, complete with a relaxing waterfall and stream, are a major draw. While generally a peaceful experience, some note the need for clearer signage regarding specific statues. Reddit+2

"Nice Buddhist temple to visit. Very impressive grounds. You have to gong the bell. Quite loud with minimal vibration. Well worth visiting."

Cedric Chan

"I had visited before in the past and I recently visited again. It is a very serene place where people worship buddha so there is no noise and visitors and just walk around taking in the ambience."

Toyyeebah Ajibola Mustapha

"Love it from the begging to the end!
One of the peaceful places I ever been. Forest, temple, status, lantern, cascade~ evrrything! I enjoyed so much! Prepare your camera and a confy shoes, you will enjoy the architecture and the nature at the same time!"

Annie Urbina

What People Like

Giant Buddha statue
Peaceful grounds
Scenic waterfall

What People Dislike

Unclear statue meaning

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Pagyesa Temple is accessible by public transport. You can take a bus or subway to a station near the temple and then enjoy a short walk. Check local transit apps for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. TikTok

Limited parking may be available, but it's often recommended to use public transportation due to potential congestion. Reddit

Follow the well-marked paths. The walk to the Buddha statue is scenic, featuring a stream and waterfall, and is about a short distance. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Pagyesa Temple is generally free, allowing visitors to explore the grounds and admire the main attractions without a ticket. Reddit

The temple grounds are typically open from early morning until late afternoon or early evening. It's advisable to check the specific hours before your visit as they can vary seasonally. Reddit

No, the Buddha statue and the surrounding area are part of the temple complex and are usually accessible without an additional fee. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can admire the impressive Buddha statue, explore the serene temple buildings, walk through beautiful gardens, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. Don't miss the waterfall and stream. Reddit+1

Photography is generally allowed in most areas, but it's always good to be mindful of worshippers and designated quiet zones. Reddit

Yes, families can enjoy the scenic walks and the impressive sights. The relatively short distances and beautiful surroundings make it engaging for children. Reddit

While Reddit users have noted confusion about a specific statue's meaning, the main attraction is the large Buddha statue, which represents peace and enlightenment. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Typically, there are no extensive dining facilities directly within the temple complex itself. However, you can find food options in the surrounding areas. TikTok

The areas around major temples often have local eateries offering traditional Korean cuisine. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The area around the Giant Buddha statue, the temple roofs, the waterfall, and the lush gardens offer excellent photographic opportunities. Reddit+1

Early morning or late afternoon provides softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the temple's beauty. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Pagyesa Temple offers a wonderful outing for families. The scenic walk with the stream and waterfall is engaging for children, providing a gentle adventure before reaching the impressive Buddha statue. The open grounds allow kids to move around, and the overall peaceful atmosphere can be a calming experience. Reddit

Comfortable shoes are a must for everyone, as there's a good amount of walking involved. While the temple is a place of worship, the natural beauty and the sheer scale of the Buddha statue are captivating for all ages. Pack some snacks and water, as dining options within the temple itself are limited. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers

For solo travelers seeking a moment of peace and reflection, Pagyesa Temple is an ideal destination. The serene atmosphere and the majestic Buddha statue create an environment conducive to quiet contemplation. You can wander the grounds at your own pace, soaking in the spiritual ambiance without feeling rushed. Reddit

Visiting during early mornings or weekdays will offer the most solitude, allowing you to truly connect with the temple's tranquility. The well-maintained paths and the natural beauty of the surroundings provide a calming escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Majestic Buddha Statue

The centerpiece of Pagyesa Temple is its impressive, giant Buddha statue. This monumental figure is not just a religious icon but also an architectural marvel, set against a backdrop of vibrant green hills. Visitors often describe the feeling of awe and tranquility when standing before it. The scale of the statue is truly remarkable, making it a must-see for any visitor. Reddit

When planning your visit, consider the lighting. The statue looks particularly stunning during the golden hours of early morning and late afternoon, when the sunlight casts a warm glow. This also tends to be a less crowded time, allowing for a more contemplative experience and better photo opportunities. Reddit

Remember to approach the statue with respect. While photography is generally permitted, be mindful of worshippers and any designated areas where silence is requested. The overall experience is one of peace and spiritual reflection. Reddit

Exploring the Temple Grounds

Pagyesa Temple is more than just its famous statue; the entire complex is designed for peaceful exploration. You'll find a mix of ancient and reconstructed Buddhist temples, each with its unique architectural style and serene atmosphere. Wandering through the grounds, you'll encounter beautiful gardens, intricate pagodas, and quiet courtyards perfect for a moment of reflection. Reddit

A particular highlight for many visitors is the short, scenic walk leading to the Buddha statue. This path features a gentle stream and a charming waterfall, adding to the natural beauty and tranquility of the site. It’s a refreshing prelude to the main attraction and a lovely spot to pause and enjoy the sounds of nature. Reddit

Comfortable footwear is essential, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking to fully appreciate the temple's spread. The combination of spiritual sites and natural landscapes makes Pagyesa Temple a holistic experience for the senses. Reddit

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