Bongeunsa Station and Temple
Bongeunsa Station is on Seoul Subway Line 9 in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Located at 531 Bongeunsa-ro, Samseong 1(il)-dong, it is directly across from Bongeunsa Temple and adjacent to COEX Mall and the World Trade Center Seoul. The station provides access to the temple and to nearby shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.
Bongeunsa Temple (봉은사) is an active Buddhist temple and cultural site founded in 794 CE during the Silla Dynasty. Its grounds bring historic halls and gardens together with contemporary Gangnam’s urban surroundings.
History
The monk Yeon-hoe established the temple in 794 CE under the name Gyeonseongsa, near King Seongjong’s royal tomb. During the Joseon Dynasty, Buddhism was often suppressed, but royal patronage helped the temple thrive. Queen Jeonghyeon restored and renamed it in 1498, and King Myeongjong later moved it to its present site beside COEX Mall.
With support from Queen Munjeong, Bongeunsa became the head temple of the Seon (Zen) sect. From 1551 to 1936, it served as Korea’s principal Zen temple and fostered Buddhist teaching and scholarship. The temple endured destruction and reconstruction amid wars and political upheaval, including the Japanese occupation and the Korean War. It has continued to serve as a spiritual and cultural center, preserving more than 1,200 years of Korean Buddhist tradition.
What to See and Do
The temple complex sits on a forested hillside and includes tranquil gardens, seasonal flowers, courtyards, lotus ponds, and ancient pine trees.
- Daeungjeon (Main Buddha Hall) The principal hall for ceremonies, with a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha and ornate carvings.
- Beopwangru Pavilion Used for gatherings and lectures.
- Great Maitreya Buddha A 23-meter-tall stone statue, among Korea’s tallest and a symbol of hope and compassion.
- Additional halls and pagodas Dedicated to different Buddhas and bodhisattvas.
- Historic woodblocks The temple preserves woodblocks used for printing Buddhist scriptures.
Bongeunsa remains an active place of worship. Visitors may observe or join daily Buddhist rituals, including dawn services and a percussion ceremony. English and Japanese interpretation services are available.
Cultural programs include templestays, with meditation, tea ceremonies, monastic meals, communal work, and workshops. Other activities include lotus lantern making and sutra copying. Templestays are offered in several languages; fees apply.
The Lotus Lantern Festival takes place every May for Buddha’s birthday, with lantern displays and performances.
Practical Visiting Information
Temple Hours and Admission
Published temple hours differ: listings give daily hours of 5:00 AM–10:00 PM or 3:00 AM–10:00 PM. Another says the temple is open 24 hours, while recommending visits during daylight, 4:00 AM–9:00 PM. Admission is free; fees apply to templestay programs.
Station Hours and Tickets
Bongeunsa Station is reported to operate from 5:30 AM to midnight. A transit listing gives the first train as 5:30 AM and the last as 12:58 AM. Trains run every five minutes during peak hours.
Single-journey tickets, T-money cards, and contactless payments are accepted. Ticket machines accept cash, credit, or T-money and offer English-language support; convenience stores also offer English-language support and T-money recharging. The base fare is about 1,350 KRW, with fares also listed as starting from ~1,350 KRW per ride. T-money cards offer discounts.
Getting There
Bongeunsa Temple is at 531 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. It is accessible from:
- Bongeunsa Station Line 9, Exit 1; the temple is a 150-meter walk away.
- Samseong Station Line 2, Exits 5 or 6.
The area is described as pedestrian-friendly and well-lit. Transfer to Line 2 at Samseong Station for additional city access. Multiple bus lines serve the area, with early and late services; main stops are a short walk away. Public transport is recommended because of local traffic. Parking is available at the temple.
Bongeunsa Station connects to Seoul Station in about 31 minutes by subway, with a transfer at Dongjak. The distance from Seoul Station is listed as ~13 km. A taxi or Kakao Taxi is available; a taxi from Seoul Station takes about 13 minutes and costs 12,000–16,000 KRW.
Accessibility and Facilities
Bongeunsa Station has elevators, escalators, tactile paving, ticket machines, information desks, clean accessible restrooms, coin-operated lockers, and free Wi-Fi. ATMs and currency exchange are available in the station and COEX Mall. CCTV, security staff, emergency buttons, and first aid kits are also listed among the station’s services.
The temple and COEX Mall are wheelchair accessible, though some temple paths may be uneven. Temple facilities include restrooms, a gift shop, and multilingual information. Shops and restaurants are close by at COEX Mall. Tourist information is available there as well.
Accommodation nearby ranges from luxury hotels to guesthouses.
Tours and Information
English-speaking temple guides are available on request. Guided tours are also described as available in multiple languages and can be arranged on-site. Templestay reservations can be made online or on-site.
Tips
- Weekday mornings and late afternoons are reported to be less crowded. Early or late visits are also suggested for photography and lighting.
- Wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before entering temple halls.
- Maintain silence in sacred areas. Photography is allowed, but flash is discouraged inside halls; be respectful during ceremonies.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Some paths may be uneven.
- Bring an umbrella during the rainy season.
- English signage is prevalent; translation apps can be helpful.
Nearby Places
- COEX Mall Shops, restaurants, and the COEX Aquarium.
- Starfield Library Located in COEX Mall.
- World Trade Center Seoul Near the station and temple.
- Gangnam Style Statue A nearby photo spot.
- Olympic Park and Seoul Forest Other nearby parks and cultural destinations.
- The COEX area and nearby streets also offer dining and shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Bongeunsa Temple’s visiting hours?
Published listings give 5:00 AM–10:00 PM or 3:00 AM–10:00 PM. Another describes the temple as open 24 hours and recommends visiting between 4:00 AM and 9:00 PM.
Is temple admission free?
Yes. Templestay programs have fees.
What are Bongeunsa Station’s hours?
Station hours are listed as 5:30 AM to midnight; one transit listing gives the first train as 5:30 AM and the last as 12:58 AM.
How do I get to the temple by subway?
Take Line 9 to Bongeunsa Station and use Exit 1, or take Line 2 to Samseong Station and use Exit 5 or 6.
How do I buy a subway ticket?
Use ticket machines or a T-money card. Single-journey tickets and contactless payments are also accepted.
Is the station wheelchair accessible?
Yes. It has elevators, escalators, and tactile paving. The temple and COEX Mall are also wheelchair accessible, although some temple paths may be uneven.
Are photos allowed at the temple?
Yes, but be respectful during ceremonies. Flash is discouraged inside halls.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. English-speaking guides are available on request; tours are also described as available in multiple languages and can be arranged on-site.
What cultural programs are offered?
Programs include templestays, lotus lantern making, sutra copying, and the Lotus Lantern Festival.
How can I join a templestay?
Reservations can be made online or on-site.
What attractions are nearby?
Bongeunsa Temple, COEX Mall, the COEX Aquarium, Starfield Library, World Trade Center Seoul, and the Gangnam Style Statue are nearby. Olympic Park and Seoul Forest are also listed as nearby destinations.
