08/24/2026
📍Bongeunsa Temple
🏙️➡️🏯 STROLL & SOUL | Where Modern Seoul Meets Ancient Serenity
Just steps away from the dazzling skyscrapers and shopping scene of COEX Mall, we found a completely different side of Gangnam at Bongeunsa Temple. Founded in 794, this historic Buddhist temple has stood for more than 1,200 years—a peaceful sanctuary surrounded by one of Seoul’s most modern districts.
For Stroll & Soul, this is exactly the kind of experience we love sharing: destinations that invite you to stroll beyond the obvious and connect with the soul of a place. 💛 From busy streets to quiet temple paths, from towering buildings to traditional roofs, and from sightseeing to moments of reflection—travel is sometimes about finding the beautiful contrasts that make a city unforgettable.
ℹ️ Handy for tourists:
Bongeunsa is at 531 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, and is only about 135 meters from Bongeunsa Station, Exit 1 (Line 9). Entrance is free, and the temple grounds are generally open daily, although visiting hours may vary around religious services. It also offers Buddhist cultural experiences and Templestay programs, including meditation and traditional temple practices.
📝 Temple etiquette to remember:
Keep your voice low, dress respectfully, avoid interrupting worshippers, and follow signs before taking photos. When entering a Buddhist sanctuary, use the side entrances rather than the center entrance. 👟 Remove your shoes when required.
💡 Our Stroll & Soul tip: Pair your COEX visit with Bongeunsa Temple. After the shopping, food, aquarium, and city buzz, cross over to a place where you can slow down, breathe, and experience a different rhythm of Seoul. 🌿
Because sometimes, the best travel memories aren’t just the places you see… they’re the places you feel. 💛
