Top 5 Buddhist Temples
in South Korea

A stupa at Heungryunsa Temple in the Incheon area. [click photo to view page]

Top 5 Buddhist Temples in South Korea

Do you want to experience the incredible spiritual energy emanating from one of South Korea's many Buddhist temples?

If so, then come along with us and explore some of the most beautiful and unique places to visit in South Korea. I will take you on a journey through five stunning Buddhist temples steeped in tradition, culture, and history.

These genuinely inspiring sites will give you an insight into South Korean traditions and life while also providing an opportunity for contemplation, reflection, and prayer.

Whether you are a traveler looking to find a deeper connection with your inner self or simply seeking peace after experiencing all that exciting city has to offer, these top 5 temple destinations have something for everyone!

1. Haein-sa Temple

The foreground of Haeinsa Temple's main temple and front yard with relics of stone lanterns and stupa.

Haein-sa Temple is a popular destination for travelers and locals alike. Located in the South Korean province of Gyeongsangnam-do, this temple offers visitors a unique experience that combines Buddhist teachings with traditional Korean culture.

This Temple is home to the Tripitaka Koreana, a collection of Buddhist scriptures carved on 81,258 wooden printing blocks.

Haeinsa Temple is also home to various Buddhist artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, and calligraphy.

In addition, there are several Buddhist gardens with lush foliage that visitors can explore. The complex also has a museum where visitors can learn more about Buddhism and view Buddhist artifacts.

Tripitaka Koreana

Haeinsa Temple Bronze Bell

Relaxation Areas
The Temple also has resting areas for visitors to take a break during their visit. In addition, haein-sa Temple has several restaurants and snack shops where visitors can purchase refreshments and food.

How to get to Haein-sa Temple from Seoul
Haein-sa Temple is located about 2 hours south of Seoul. Several public buses and trains travel to the Temple daily, making it easily accessible for tourists.

Check here for the full description of Haeinsa Temple and the direction to get there.

2. Tongdosa Temple

Baekjae Period sculptures of Buddhas at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul.

Tongdosa Temple is located on Mt. Waryong near the port city of Busan. It is important to Buddhists because it houses the relics of the historical Buddha, which are said to have been brought from India.

The Tongdosa Temple features a striking red and white exterior, five grand Buddha statues, and a seven-story pagoda. Inside the temple complex are three ponds with lotus flowers blooming on the surface.

There are also several shrines dedicated to Buddhist monks who have achieved enlightenment. In addition, visitors can take part in Buddhist rituals, such as meditation and chanting. Enumerate more features.

There is a temple museum housed in the complex, which contains Buddhist artifacts and historical documents. There are also several Buddhist gardens with lush foliage that visitors can explore.

Relaxation Areas. The Temple also has several resting areas for visitors to take a break and relax during their visit.

The Tongdosa Temple also has restaurants and snack shops where visitors can purchase refreshments and food.

Getting to Tongdosa Temple from Seoul

The Tongdosa Temple is located about 3 hours south of Seoul. Several public buses and trains travel to the Temple daily, making it easily accessible for tourists.

By Bus. First, you must get to Busan City and take a bus to Tongdo-sa at the Busan Central Bus terminal alongside the Nopo subway station in Busan. It takes you 25 minutes to get there.

By Car. Take Tongdosa IC on Expressway. Note this address: Tongdosa583 Jisan-ri, Habuk-myeon, Yangsan city, Gyeongsangnamdo, South Korea

By KTX. Take a train from Seoul to Ulsan, and take a bus to Tongdosa at the Ulsan bus terminal.

3. Beomosa Temple

Monks enter one of the temples in the Beomeosa Temple area. [click photo to see page]

Beomeosa Temple is another Buddhist temple located in Busan and is one of South Korea's most famous Buddhist sites.

The temple complex features a variety of Buddhist artifacts, including sculptures, paintings, and calligraphy.

There are also several Buddhist gardens with lush foliage that visitors can explore. In addition, the complex contains a museum where visitors can learn more about Buddhism and view Buddhist artifacts.

busan-beomeosa-temple-three-story-pagoda-fullview

Four-layered stone pagoda at Busan's Beomeosa Temple

Ten-layered stone pagoda at Busan's Beomeosa Temple

Resting and Relaxation Areas
Beomosa Temple also has several resting areas for visitors to take a break and relax during their visit. The Temple also has restaurants and snack shops where visitors can purchase refreshments and food.

How to get to Beomeosa Temple from Seoul
Beomeosa Temple is located about 3-4 hours south of Seoul. Several public buses and trains travel to the Temple daily, making it easily accessible for tourists.

The buses to Beomeosa Temple depart from Seoul's Central City Bus Terminal, and the KTX train line stops at Shinjeon Station.

Busan Taxi from Subway Line
Approx. 5 min from Beomeosa Station (Busan Subway Line 1)

Please, read more about Beomosa Temple and the directions on this page.

4. Buseoksa Temple

A beautiful Fall Season view of the Buseoksa Temple area [click photo to view page]

Buseoksa Temple is located in Yeongju and is known for its giant bronze buddha statue, which stands 36 feet tall.

The temple complex also features a variety of Buddhist artifacts, including sculptures, paintings, and calligraphy.

In addition, there are several Buddhist gardens with lush foliage that visitors can explore. Also, the complex contains a museum where visitors can learn more about Buddhism and view Buddhist artifacts.

One of Buseoksa Temple's stone pagoda

Cascade and garden area before entering the Buseoksa Temple area

Relaxation Areas
Buseoksa Temple also has several resting areas for visitors to take a break and relax during their visit. It has restaurants and snack shops where visitors can purchase refreshments and food.

How to get to Buseok Temple from Seoul
Buseok Temple is located about 2-3 hours east of Seoul, depending on your transport. Several public buses and trains travel to the Temple daily, making it easily accessible for tourists.

The buses to Buseok Temple depart from Seoul's Nambu Bus Terminal, and the KTX train line stops at Yeongju Station near the Temple.

More details for the transportation are on this same website page.

5. Bulguksa Temple

bulguksa-temple-yeonhwagyo-bridge-chilbogyo-bridge

Frontview of Bulguksa Temple

Bulguksa Temple is located near the city of Gyeongju and is known for its stone buddha statues and intricate Reliefs of Buddhist stories.

The temple complex also features a variety of Buddhist artifacts, including sculptures, paintings, and calligraphy.

Bulguksa Temple

Bulguksa Temple Stone Pagoda

Relaxation Areas
Bulguksa Temple also has several resting areas for visitors to take a break and relax during their visit. In addition, you can purchase meals and snacks from its restaurants and snack shops. Also, you can explore its souvenir shops inside the temple area.

How to get to Bulguksa Temple from Seoul
Bulguksa Temple is located about 2.5 hours southeast of Seoul. Several public buses and trains travel to the Temple daily, making it easily accessible for tourists.

The buses to Bulguksa Temple depart from Seoul's Central City Bus Terminal, and the KTX train line stops at Gyeongju Station near the Temple.

More details and descriptions on the transportation are available on this page of Koreattrack.com.

If you're looking for a peaceful Buddhist experience in South Korea, these five beautiful Buddhist temples will surely provide you with a memorable one.

Each Buddhist Temple offers something unique and special for visitors, from serene Buddhist gardens to impressive Buddhist artifacts. So make sure to check them out on your next trip to South Korea!

With this information in mind, you can now start planning your Buddhist temple tour of South Korea. Visit one or all five temples and experience Buddhism in South Korea like never before! Bon voyage and happy Buddhist Temple hopping!

These Buddhist temples are important Buddhist sites that attract many tourists each year. So, if you're looking for a spiritual experience while in South Korea, be sure to visit one of these Buddhist temples and take in the beauty and serenity of Buddhism.