10 Representative Temples in Korea: Their History, Location, Transportation

10 Representative Temples in Korea

As Buddhism has been one of the major religions in Korea for centuries, there are numerous beautiful and historic temples scattered throughout the country. Each temple has its unique charm and history, attracting both domestic and international visitors. In this blog post, I will introduce 10 representative temples in Korea and provide information on their history, location, transportation, and website address.

 

Korea Temple

1. Bulguksa Temple (불국사)

Located in Gyeongju, a city in the southeastern part of Korea, Bulguksa Temple is one of the most well-known and highly-rated temples in the country. It was built in the 8th century during the Silla Dynasty and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. The temple has various cultural assets, including the Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas, the Cheongun-gyo and Baegun-gyo stone bridges, and the Saritap stone lantern. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful harmony between the temple's architecture and the surrounding nature.

 

Transportation

• Take a bus or taxi from Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal or Gyeongju Station to Bulguksa Temple. 
• Take a city tour bus, which departs from Gyeongju Station, Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal, and various other locations in the city.

 

 

2. Haeinsa Temple (해인사)

Located in Hapcheon, a county in the southern part of Korea, Haeinsa Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Tripitaka Koreana, the world's most complete collection of Buddhist scriptures. The temple was founded in the 9th century during the Silla Dynasty and has been a major center for Buddhist learning and practice ever since. Visitors can also admire the beautiful architecture of the temple and the surrounding nature.

 

Transportation

• Take a bus or taxi from Hapcheon Bus Terminal or Hapcheon Station to Haeinsa Temple.
• Take a city tour bus, which departs from Haeinsa Temple and various other locations in Hapcheon. 

 

 

3. Jogyesa Temple (조계사)

Located in the heart of Seoul, Jogyesa Temple is the head temple of the Jogye Order, the largest Buddhist sect in Korea. The temple was founded in the 14th century and has played a significant role in Korean Buddhism's development. Visitors can appreciate the temple's traditional architecture, including the main hall, bell pavilion, and pagoda, as well as participate in various Buddhist activities, such as meditation and tea ceremonies.

Transportation

• Take the subway and get off at Anguk Station (Line 3) or Jonggak Station (Line 1), then walk for about 5-10 minutes. (Website: [Seoul Metropolitan Subway]
• Take a bus or taxi to the temple's entrance. 

 

 

4. Beopju Temple (법주사)

Located in Yeongam, a county in the southwestern part of Korea, Beopju Temple is a historic temple built during the Baekje Dynasty in the 7th century. The temple has various cultural assets, including the three-story wooden pagoda, the Yeongsanjeon Hall, and the Baekryeonam Hermitage. Visitors can also enjoy the temple's beautiful natural surroundings, including a scenic waterfall and dense forest.

Transportation

• Take a bus or taxi from Yeongam Bus Terminal or Yeongam Station to Beopju Temple.
• Take a city tour bus, which departs from Beopju Temple and various other locations in Yeongam.

 

 

5. Tongdosa Temple (통도사)

Located in Yangsan, a city in the southeastern part of Korea, Tongdosa Temple is one of the most important temples in the country, as it houses the sarira (Buddhist relics) of the Buddha. The temple was founded in the 7th century during the Silla Dynasty and has been a major center for Buddhist education and practice. Visitors can admire the temple's beautiful architecture, including the main hall, the Yeongsanjeon Hall, and the Iljumun Gate.

Transportation

• Take a bus or taxi from Yangsan Bus Terminal or Yangsan Station to Tongdosa Temple. 
• Take a city tour bus, which departs from Tongdosa Temple and various other locations in Yangsan. 

http://www.tongdosa.or.kr/eng/

TONGDOSA

 

6. Songgwangsa Temple (송광사)

Located in Suncheon, a city in the southwestern part of Korea, Songgwangsa Temple is one of the three jewels of Korean Buddhism, along with Tongdosa Temple and Haeinsa Temple. The temple was founded in the 9th century and has been a major center for Zen Buddhism. Visitors can admire the temple's beautiful architecture, including the main hall, the three-story stone pagoda, and the Beopwangru Pavilion, as well as the surrounding nature, including the Seonamsa Valley.

Transportation

• Take a bus or taxi from Suncheon Bus Terminal or Suncheon Station to Songgwangsa Temple.
• Take a city tour bus, which departs from Songgwangsa Temple and various other locations in Suncheon. 

 

 

7. Bongeunsa Temple (봉은사)

Located in Gangnam, a district in the southern part of Seoul, Bongeunsa Temple is one of the most popular temples in the city. The temple was founded in the 10th century during the Silla Dynasty but was destroyed during the Joseon Dynasty and rebuilt in the 18th century. Visitors can admire the temple's beautiful architecture, including the main hall, the Daeungjeon Hall, and the Cheonbul-jeon Hall, as well as the surrounding nature, including the Seonjeongneung Park.

Transportation

• Take a subway to Bongeunsa Station (Line 9) and leave through Exit 1. The temple is a 5-minute walk from the station. 
• Take a city tour bus, which stops at Bongeunsa Temple and various other locations in Gangnam. 

 

 

8. Bulguksa Temple (불국사)

Located in Gyeongju, a city in the southeastern part of Korea, Bulguksa Temple is one of the most important temples in the country, as it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple was founded in the 8th century during the Silla Dynasty and has been a major center for Buddhist education and practice. Visitors can admire the temple's beautiful architecture, including the main hall, the Daeungjeon Hall, and the Geuknakjeon Hall, as well as the surrounding nature, including the Seokguram Grotto.

Transportation

• Take a bus or taxi from Gyeongju Bus Terminal or Gyeongju Station to Bulguksa Temple.
• Take a city tour bus, which stops at Bulguksa Temple and various other locations in Gyeongju.

 

 

9. Hwaeomsa Temple (화엄사)

Located in Gurye, a county in the southwestern part of Korea, Hwaeomsa Temple is one of the most important temples in the country, as it is a major center for the Hwaeom (Avatamsaka) sect of Buddhism. The temple was founded in the 6th century during the Baekje Dynasty and has been a major center for Buddhist education and practice. Visitors can admire the temple's beautiful architecture, including the main hall, the Daeungjeon Hall, and the Yeongsanjeon Hall, as well as the surrounding nature, including the Jirisan National Park.

Transportation

• Take a bus or taxi from Gurye Bus Terminal or Gurye Station to Hwaeomsa Temple. 
• Take a city tour bus, which stops at Hwaeomsa Temple and various other locations in Gurye.

 

 

10. Tongdosa Temple (통도사)

Located in Yangsan, a city in the southeastern part of Korea, Tongdosa Temple is one of the most important temples in the country, as it is a major center for the Jogye sect of Korean Buddhism. The temple was founded in the 7th century during the Silla Dynasty and has been a major center for Buddhist education and practice. Visitors can admire the temple's beautiful architecture, including the main hall, the Daeungjeon Hall, and the Muryangsujeon Hall, as well as the surrounding nature, including the Mt. Chiseosan.

Transportation

• Take a bus or taxi from Yangsan Bus Terminal or Yangsan Station to Tongdosa Temple.
• Take a city tour bus, which stops at Tongdosa Temple and various other locations in Yangsan.

 

 

Conclusion

Korean temples are not only places of worship but also significant cultural heritage sites that attract visitors from all over the world. From the historic temples in the ancient city of Gyeongju to the modern temples in the bustling city of Seoul, each temple has its own unique history and beauty that are worth exploring. By visiting these temples, visitors can learn about Korean Buddhism, appreciate the country's natural scenery, and experience its rich culture and history.

If you're planning a trip to Korea or are interested in studying abroad in the country, make sure to add some of these temples to your itinerary. Each temple offers a unique experience that you won't want to miss.