Finding Zen in Seoul – A Local's Guide to Buddhist Temples, Tea, and Timelessness
Seoul is fast. No one denies that. It’s a city of K-pop beats, high-speed WiFi, and convenience stores that serve everything from kimchi to kombucha at 2 a.m. But hidden between skyscrapers and subways are places that feel like Seoul is taking a long, deep breath.
And when you visit its Buddhist temples, you take one too.
Jogyesa – Where Seoul Slows Down
Right in the center of Jongno, you’ll find Jogyesa Temple—the heart of Korean Zen Buddhism. It’s not tucked away. It’s right there, standing confidently amid cafés, cosmetic stores, and calligraphy shops.
Jogyesa is alive with color—lanterns swing above your head, wooden carvings glimmer with gold, and incense fills the air with something ancient. But it’s not just a photo op. It's a living, breathing place of reflection, open to anyone willing to pause.
Traveler Tip:
Visit during the Lotus Lantern Festival in May—a magical celebration that lights up the night and your heart. Stay until dusk when the paper lanterns begin to glow softly.
Nearby Gems:
- Tteuran Tea House – A peaceful hanok café tucked in an alleyway. Order the jujube tea.
- Sanchon – Founded by a former monk, this Insadong restaurant serves temple-style vegetarian meals that feel spiritual on their own.
- Kyobo Bookstore Gwanghwamun – Just a short walk away and filled with travel books, art magazines, and Seoul locals grabbing coffee with poetry.
Bongeunsa – Sacred Serenity in Gangnam
It might seem impossible that a 1,200-year-old temple stands across from COEX Mall, one of Asia’s biggest shopping complexes. But that’s the beauty of Bongeunsa—it’s Seoul’s contradiction at its best.
Inside the gates, you’ll find towering statues, quiet meditation halls, and monks going about their daily routine. You might even hear the moktak—a wooden percussion instrument used during chanting—echoing through the stone courtyards.
Don't Miss:
Climb to the top of the stairs behind the temple to see a stunning view of the Great Statue of Buddha watching over the city. It’s especially beautiful at golden hour.
Nearby Spots Locals Love:
- Madang 621 – Hidden behind COEX, this Korean restaurant serves hearty jjigae and grilled meats in a cozy, quiet setting.
- Starfield COEX Library – A jaw-dropping bookscape. You’ll want to photograph everything.
- SMTOWN K-pop Museum – For a totally different kind of spirituality.
Gilsangsa – A Secret for the Soul
Gilsangsa in Seongbuk-dong is Seoul’s poetic temple. It isn’t grand, but it feels deeply personal. Nestled in a residential hillside, it’s known among locals as a space for healing, writing, and quiet introspection.
Built on what was once a high-end restaurant, the temple now hosts literature walks, art workshops, and feminine spiritual retreats.
Traveler Tip:
Combine this visit with a walk through Seongbuk Literature Road, dotted with quotes by Korean poets and thinkers.
Hidden Favorites Nearby:
- Seongbuk Jipbap – Local-style Korean lunch boxes with a rotating menu of seasonal dishes.
- Korea Furniture Museum – A reservation-only gem that blends Korean design with Zen-like beauty.
Temple Time is Real Time
You don’t have to meditate to feel the shift when you enter a Seoul temple. You just have to breathe.
Temples in Seoul are not escapes—they’re reminders.
They show us that silence is still possible in the noisiest places.
That reverence can live beside rush.
And that peace doesn’t need a plane ticket—just a pause.
🗺️ Suggested Day Itinerary: Temple + Local Life Combo
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Visit Jogyesa → Grab traditional breakfast at Tongin Market (try the coin-style dosirak café) |
| Midday | Explore Bongeunsa → Eat lunch at Madang 621 → Walk through COEX Library |
| Afternoon | Quiet time at Gilsangsa → Visit Korea Furniture Museum |
| Evening | Temple-style dinner at Sanchon → Lantern stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream |
💡 Final Thoughts
You came to Seoul for the energy. But maybe, just maybe, you’ll fall in love with the quiet parts. The warm floors of a meditation hall. The sound of a monk’s chant. The steam rising from barley tea. These aren’t big moments.
But they’re the kind that stay with you forever.
