Jogyesa Temple (조계사(서울))

As the main temple as well as the district head temple of the Jogye order in Seoul, Jogyesa Temple is the center of Korean Buddhism. The temple was built in the late 14th century during the Goryeo period but was completely destroyed in a fire. It was rebuilt under the name of Gakwangsa Temple in 1910 with the effort of many respectful monks, namely Han Yong-un and Lee Hee-gwang. The temple was given a role as the head temple of Korea’s Buddhism and renamed to Tegosa Temple in 1936. In 1954, a purification drive took place to eliminate Japanese influence and revive traditional Buddhism, which established the present day Jogyesa Temple as a result.

Jogyesa Temple plays an important role in Korean Buddhism as the head temple of the Jogye order. Jogyesa Temple’s Dharma Hall serves as the main venue for several Buddhist events, holding rituals, lectures, ceremonies, and other events all year long. The annual lantern festival in celebration of Buddha’s birthday also takes place at this temple.

– Address : 55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

※ Presentation Information
– Information and Guides
+82-2-768-8600

– Parking
Available (Limited parking space; use of public transportation recommended)

– Day Off
N/A (Open all year round)

– Restrooms
Available

– Parking Fees
[Inside Jogyesa Temple]

– 1,000 won for every 10 min

* Discount coupon for Jogyesa followers: 1,000 won for 1 hr (up to 3 hr; 1,000 won for every 10 min after 3 hr)

[Paid parking lot near Jogyesa Temple]

Seoinsa Madang Public Parking Lot: 800 won for every 10 min

Jogyejong Chongmuwon Parking Lot: 3,000 won for one hour (1,500 won for additional 30 min after)

– Admission Fees
Free

◎ Nearby Tourism Infobox

⊙ Yeon Deung Hoe (Lotus Lantern Festival) (연등회)

– Homepage
www.연등회.kr

– Tel
+82-2-2011-1744~7

Started approximately 1,200 years ago during the Silla dynasty and continued through the Goryeo Yeon Deung Hoe and Joseon lantern festival, the Yeon Deung Hoe Festival is a traditional festival registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage and UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The lanterns at Yeon Deung Hoe Festival brighten the heart and the world!

⊙ Balwoo Gongyang (발우공양)

– Homepage
www.balwoo.or.kr

Balwoo Gongyang, located in front of the main gate of Jogyesa Temple, is a temple food restaurant operated by the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism. It was selected as a 1-star restaurant by the Michelin Guide for three consecutive years from 2017 to 2019 and it is so popular that reservations must be made a month in advance. “Balwoo” refers to meals for monks and it means that the act of eating is also a process to realizing the truth. The restaurant offers five types of course menus inspired by Buddhist teachings that are served in the order of Suljuksim, Juksang, Sangmi (嘗味), Dammi (噉味), Seungso (僧笑), Youmi (愈味), and Ipgasim. The menu is made with seasonal ingredients to bring out the best flavor of each season. The course meal starts with appetizing kimchi stew according to the traditional Korean meal culture. Then it is followed by porridge, seasonal salad, rice and stew, side dishes, tea, and dessert, satisfying both the taste buds and health. Those who wish to experience an authentic temple meal are recommended to try the Beop Course.

⊙ Templestay Information Center (템플스테이 홍보관)

– Homepage
www.templestay.com

– Tel
+82-2-2031-2000

Templestay Information Center offers various information and services regarding templestays and temple meals for domestic and international visitors. The center also operates traditional cultural experiences, such as tea time with a Buddhist monk, traditional culture activities and more.

⊙ Seoul International Writers’ Festival (서울국제작가축제)

– Homepage
www.siwf.or.kr

– Tel
+82-70-8826-5207

Seoul International Writers’ Festival was founded in 2006 with aims to lay a foundation for connecting Korean literature and international literature. This year’s theme is “() Meets the Eye,” inviting attendees to explore the beauty of literature that is much more than meets the eye.

⊙ Color pool Museum (컬러풀뮤지엄(COLORPOOL MUSEUM))

– Homepage
http://www.colorpoolmuseum.com
https://www.instagram.com/colorpoolmuseum

It is an experiential museum where you can feel the variety of colors with all your senses. If you want to have a picture with a pretty background like a fairy tale, there is no better place than this museum. The pool filled with adorable pink balls is the most popular section that brings happy smiles to everyone, adults and children alike. You can also find various souvenirs related to bathing, such as exfoliating towels and natural soap.

⊙ Line Friends – Insa Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (라인프렌즈 인사점)

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⊙ KongKongY Gallery [Tax Refund Shop] (콩콩이 그림가게)

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⊙ Bachi Ring (UMC Jewelry) [Tax Refund Shop] (바치링(UMC쥬얼리))

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⊙ CheongKwanJang – Jonggak Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (정관장 종각역)

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Jogyesa Temple (조계사(서울))