Best Temples in South Korea
& How to Get There
Step into the serene world of Korea’s sacred sanctuaries. This guide walks you through the best temples to visit in South Korea, from Seoul’s urban treasures to mountain retreats steeped in history. You’ll uncover the stories behind each site and learn the best routes by train, bus, or tour to reach these temples in Korea with ease.
Last updated: 06.10.2025
Last updated: 06.10.2025
Jogyesa Temple
Located in the cultural core of Seoul near Insadong, Jogyesa Temple serves as the headquarters of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It’s renowned for its towering Buddha statue, ancient locust trees, and magnificent lantern displays during Buddha’s Birthday. The temple offers an oasis of calm amid the city’s bustle, where visitors can listen to monks chanting or participate in a tranquil tea ceremony. The surrounding streets brim with art galleries, teahouses, and souvenir shops, making it one of the most accessible Korea temples for first-time travellers.
Why Visit
Take Seoul Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station, Exit 6, then walk about five minutes to the temple. From Seoul Station, it’s a short subway ride or 15-minute taxi trip. Many guided walking tours through Insadong and Gwanghwamun include Jogyesa as a cultural stop.
Why Visit
- Experience daily chanting and meditation rituals.
- Admire thousands of colourful lanterns during Buddhist holidays.
Take Seoul Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station, Exit 6, then walk about five minutes to the temple. From Seoul Station, it’s a short subway ride or 15-minute taxi trip. Many guided walking tours through Insadong and Gwanghwamun include Jogyesa as a cultural stop.
Bongeunsa Temple
Situated in Seoul’s stylish Gangnam district, Bongeunsa Temple contrasts modern skyscrapers with ancient tranquility. Founded in the 8th century, it features over 3,000 Buddhist scriptures, beautifully painted pavilions, and a towering 23-metre Buddha statue overlooking the courtyard. Lanterns illuminate the grounds at night, while the soft hum of monks’ prayers creates a sense of peace even in the city’s busiest area. It’s also one of the few temples in south korea that offers short-term “templestay” programs for visitors curious about Buddhist life.
Why Visit
Take Subway Line 9 to Bongeunsa Station, Exit 1, or Line 7 to Cheongdam Station, Exit 2, and walk 10 minutes. From Seoul Station, take the train from Seoul to Samseong Station, then walk across COEX Mall to reach the temple.
Why Visit
- Participate in half-day or overnight temple stay experiences.
- Explore striking architecture and scenic gardens near COEX Mall.
Take Subway Line 9 to Bongeunsa Station, Exit 1, or Line 7 to Cheongdam Station, Exit 2, and walk 10 minutes. From Seoul Station, take the train from Seoul to Samseong Station, then walk across COEX Mall to reach the temple.
Haeinsa Temple
Hidden deep in Gayasan National Park, Haeinsa Temple is one of Korea’s most spiritually significant sites. Established in 802 AD, it houses the Tripitaka Koreana, over 80,000 wooden printing blocks containing Buddhist scriptures, meticulously preserved for more than 700 years. The temple complex blends seamlessly into the forested mountain slopes, exuding timeless serenity. Visitors can explore multiple courtyards, prayer halls, and pagodas surrounded by mist-covered peaks. For history lovers, Haeinsa represents the pinnacle of ancient Korean devotion and craftsmanship among south korean temples.
Why Visit
From Seoul, take the train from Seoul to Daegu (3,5 hours). From Daegu’s Seobu Bus Terminal, board a bus to Haeinsa Temple, which takes about 90 minutes. Alternatively, take a bus from Busan to Hapcheon, then transfer to a local shuttle or taxi directly to the temple gate.
- View the world-famous Tripitaka Koreana archives.
- Hike scenic trails through Gayasan National Park.
- Experience centuries of Buddhist history and artistry.
From Seoul, take the train from Seoul to Daegu (3,5 hours). From Daegu’s Seobu Bus Terminal, board a bus to Haeinsa Temple, which takes about 90 minutes. Alternatively, take a bus from Busan to Hapcheon, then transfer to a local shuttle or taxi directly to the temple gate.
Many temples, such as Bongeunsa in Seoul and Beopjusa in Songnisan National Park, invite visitors to live like a monk for a day or two through temple stay programs. These experiences include dawn chanting, meditation, tea ceremonies, and vegetarian temple cuisine, offering a rare glimpse into Korea’s living Buddhist traditions. It’s an unforgettable way to slow down, reconnect with nature, and discover inner calm.
Bulguksa Temple
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju embodies the artistic and spiritual legacy of the ancient Silla Dynasty. Built in 528 AD, it showcases ornate stone bridges, serene lotus ponds, and the famous Dabotap and Seokgatap pagodas. Visitors can wander through layers of terraces that symbolise the path to enlightenment. In spring, the temple is framed by cherry blossoms; in autumn, it glows beneath crimson foliage. It’s often paired with a visit to nearby Seokguram Grotto, a stunning cave temple overlooking the East Sea.
Why Visit
Take the KTX train from Seoul to Singyeongju Station (about 2 hours), then a local bus or taxi to Bulguksa (approx. 30 minutes). If travelling from Busan, take the train from Busan to Gyeongju, then bus 10 or 11 to the temple entrance.
- Discover one of Korea’s most celebrated UNESCO sites.
- Admire intricate stone pagodas and wooden architecture.
- Combine with a visit to Seokguram Grotto for a complete cultural day.
Take the KTX train from Seoul to Singyeongju Station (about 2 hours), then a local bus or taxi to Bulguksa (approx. 30 minutes). If travelling from Busan, take the train from Busan to Gyeongju, then bus 10 or 11 to the temple entrance.
Beopjusa Temple
Nestled in the forested slopes of Songnisan National Park, Beopjusa Temple is one of the most beautiful mountain sanctuaries in the country. Founded in 553 AD, it features Korea’s tallest outdoor Buddha statue, a 33-metre gilded figure visible from afar. The temple’s wooden pagoda, Palsangjeon, is a rare five-storey masterpiece that survived centuries of war. Surrounding trails invite peaceful hikes through pine-scented air, leading to hidden hermitages and lookout points. Beopjusa is ideal for travellers seeking quiet reflection away from busy tourist routes.
Why Visit
From Seoul, take the train from Seoul to Daejeon, then transfer to a bus bound for Songnisan National Park. From Daejeon, the trip takes around 1.5 hours. Alternatively, take a direct intercity bus from Seoul’s Express Bus Terminal to Songnisan, then a local taxi or shuttle to the temple grounds.
Why Visit
- See the 33-metre-tall golden Buddhaю
- Hike scenic mountain paths in Songnisan National Park.
From Seoul, take the train from Seoul to Daejeon, then transfer to a bus bound for Songnisan National Park. From Daejeon, the trip takes around 1.5 hours. Alternatively, take a direct intercity bus from Seoul’s Express Bus Terminal to Songnisan, then a local taxi or shuttle to the temple grounds.
Seonamsa Temple
Tongdosa Temple
Located in Jogyesan Provincial Park, Seonamsa Temple is celebrated for its delicate architecture and natural setting. Its stone bridge, Seungseongyo, arches gracefully over a clear mountain stream, one of the most photographed spots in the region. The temple complex features lotus ponds, bamboo groves, and meditation halls surrounded by ancient camellia trees. Monks and visitors alike cherish the gentle rhythm of temple bells blending with birdsong.
Why Visit
From Seoul, take the train from Seoul to Suncheon Station (about 3 hours). From the Suncheon Bus Terminal, catch a local bus toward Seonam Village, then transfer or walk about 20 minutes to the temple entrance. You can also take a bus from Gwangju or Yeosu to Suncheon before connecting locally.
Why Visit
- Participate in meditation or short retreat sessions.
- Combine with a day trip to nearby Suncheon Bay Gardens.
From Seoul, take the train from Seoul to Suncheon Station (about 3 hours). From the Suncheon Bus Terminal, catch a local bus toward Seonam Village, then transfer or walk about 20 minutes to the temple entrance. You can also take a bus from Gwangju or Yeosu to Suncheon before connecting locally.
One of the “Three Jewel Temples” of Korea, Tongdosa represents the Buddha himself through sacred relics enshrined on-site. Unlike most temples, it has no central Buddha image; instead, its sanctum contains relics brought from India over a millennium ago. The tranquil grounds include dozens of prayer halls, forest trails, and a beautiful stream crossing. Visitors often notice the spiritual calm that pervades the complex.
Why Visit
Take the train from Busan to Yangsan Station (about 40 minutes), then a local bus to Tongdosa. From Seoul, ride the KTX train from Seoul to Busan, then transfer at Busan East Bus Terminal for a bus to Yangsan. The final leg from Yangsan to the temple takes 15–20 minutes by taxi or shuttle.
Why Visit
- Visit a temple dedicated to the physical relics of Buddha.
- Walk serene forest paths lined with lanterns and shrines.
- Easy to reach as a peaceful side trip from Busan.
Take the train from Busan to Yangsan Station (about 40 minutes), then a local bus to Tongdosa. From Seoul, ride the KTX train from Seoul to Busan, then transfer at Busan East Bus Terminal for a bus to Yangsan. The final leg from Yangsan to the temple takes 15–20 minutes by taxi or shuttle.
From the city sanctuaries of Jogyesa and Bongeunsa to the mountain temples of Haeinsa, Bulguksa, Beopjusa, Seonamsa, and Tongdosa, each site offers a unique glimpse into Korea’s soul. Whether travelling by train, bus, or guided tour, these sacred places connect you with centuries of devotion and nature’s tranquility. Start mapping your journey and experience the spiritual heart of south korean temples firsthand.