Bongeunsa Temple (Seoul) (봉은사 (서울)
Address: 531, Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Telephone: +82-2-3218-4895
Closed: N/A (Open all year round)
Operating Hours: 03:00~22:00
Admission Fees : Free
Directions
Samseong Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), Exit 6.
Go 600m forward, and turn left.
Go 150m forward, and cross the road to arrive at Bongeunsa Temple.
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Description
Bongeunsa is a Buddhist temple located in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu in Seoul, South Korea.[1] It was founded in 794 during the reign of King Wonseong by the monk Yeon-hoe (Hangul: 연희), then the highest ranking monk of Silla, and originally named Kyongseoungsa (Hangul: 견성사; hanja: 見性寺). It is located on the slope of Sudo Mountain, across the street from the COEX Mall.
History
During the Joseon Dynasty, Buddhism in Korea was severely repressed. However, Bongeunsa was reconstructed in 1498 under the patronage of a Joseon Queen. With the support of Queen Munjeong, who revived Buddhism in Korea for a short time in the mid-16th century, it became the main temple of the Korean Seon (Zen) sect of Buddhism from 1551 through 1936.[2] Monk Bo-wu was appointed head of the temple in 1548 by Queen Munjeong but was killed soon afterwards as the anti-Buddhist factions regained dominance in Korea towards the end of Queen Munjeong’s rule. From 1552-1564 it was the center of the Buddhist National Exam.
A fire in 1939 destroyed most of the buildings, and other parts of the temple were destroyed during the Korean War. Fortunately, one of the very few halls which escaped destruction during the Korean War continues to hold the woodblock carvings of the Flower Garland Sutra, 봉completed in 1855 by monk Young-ki The temple has undergone many repairs and renovations, and is now once again a large, thriving complex. The reconstruction efforts are being waged even today.
Tourism
The temple is a notable tourist destination, offering “Temple Stay Program” in which visitors can lead the life of a monk for a few hours.
The area on the main street from the Temple to Park Hyatt Hotel, has a large concentration of vegetarian and other upscale restaurants that serve Korean cuisine with a modern twist.
Activity Information
[Temple Stay]
A two-day program to experience daily monastic life. Click here for more details.
-Duration: 1 night 2 days (14:00 – the next day 09:00)
-Eligible applicant: Korean and foreign visitors (ages 15 and over)
-Available program: temple tour, tea ceremony, Barugongyang, Buddhist service, making prayer beads, zen meditation, consultation with monks, 108 bows, etc.
[Temple Life]
A brief introduction to Korean Buddhism. The program includes temple tour, tea ceremony, meditation, and making lotus lanterns.
Click here for more details.
* Youths temple life
-Eligible applicant: Korean students (Middle/High school)
-Duration: Every third Saturday (09:30-12:30, reservation only)
-Program: temple historical lesson, tea ceremony, zen meditation, making lotus lantern, lunch is included.
* Group temple life (Korean/Foreigners)
-Duration: 1 day program (approx. 2.5 hrs – 3 hrs)
-Eligible applicant: Korean and foreigners
-Program: temple tour, tea ceremony, making lotus lantern, zen meditation, Buddhist service, making prayer beads, consultation with monks, 108 bows, etc.
* Thursday temple life
-Duration: 1 day program (approx. 2.5 hrs – 3 hrs)
Templestay Information & Reservation
http://eng.templestay.com/
Gallery * Click images to enlarge
