Mino

Was good to walk in nature in the middle of Gangnam. We went while there was a lot of construction around so also removed some gentleness. Nice little walk but the experience can also be skipped if in the city just for a few days.

Bongeunsa Temple has a mystical, almost magical atmosphere, especially considering it’s right in the middle of busy Seoul. The contrast is incredible—you step inside and everything slows down. It feels calm, spiritual, and deeply grounding. The statues are imposing and beautiful, particularly the large Buddha statue at the back of the temple, which is truly striking. It’s surrounded by many small Buddha figures, creating a very powerful and symbolic scene. That area, in particular, feels serene and emotionally strong—you naturally lower your voice and just take it all in. The temple is very well maintained, with peaceful courtyards, prayer halls, incense areas, and gentle walking paths. It’s not overwhelming, but it’s rich in detail and meaning. As a tip, go early in the morning or late afternoon for a quieter, more mystical experience. Dress respectfully—this is an active place of worship. Take your time at the large Buddha statue area; it’s the highlight. If you’re curious, check out the temple stay or meditation programs—they offer a deeper cultural experience. Combine it with a visit to COEX Mall, just across the street, to experience old and modern Seoul in one go. Keep noise low and be mindful of people praying. Overall, Bongeunsa Temple feels authentic, spiritual, and deeply calming. A beautiful place to pause, reflect, and experience a more soulful side of Seoul. Definitely worth visiting.

~throw back to mid of November 2025~ This temple is quite unique, as it locates at a small corner of a very busy city. The area is fairly spacious. It’s definitely worth stopping by to take a walk and have a look around.

Bongeunsa Temple feels like a quiet little world inside the city. The area is quite big, but as you walk through it, there’s always something new to discover. Small statues, figures, hidden corners, nature everywhere. It invites you to slow down and just wander. There are also souvenir shops, small food places, coffee spots, and smaller temple areas, so it doesn’t feel static or closed off. You do walk a lot and there are quite a few stairs, but somehow it still feels calm and grounding rather than tiring. The overall atmosphere is very peaceful. What surprised me a bit was the renovation work in some parts of the temple. It slightly breaks the flow, but at the same time it reminds you that this is a living place, not just something frozen in time. You can also buy a candle and make a wish, which I found quite meaningful if you’re in the right mindset. One thing that felt a bit strange to me was seeing ATM right in front of the temple. In such a spiritual and quiet space, it felt a little controversial and unexpected, and it definitely stood out. Still, walking through the temple felt calming and reflective. It’s one of those places where you don’t rush, you just walk, observe, and breathe. A very special contrast to the busy city around it

A stunning and elegant Bhuddist temple where locals visit to pray. There is a cat in this Temple too if you are lucky it will make an appearance! Lots to uncover in this gem. Plenty of history with this Temple going back to 794. Locals are friendly too. Lovely to visit overall and looking forward to coming back in the future.