JINGWANSA BUDDHIST TEMPLE - FULL GUIDE [KOREA]

WHAT TO SEE AT JINGWANSA TEMPLE IN KOREA? HOW TO GET TO JINGWANSA TEMPLE IN KOREA?

Located near the Hanok Village of Eunpyeong, Jingwansa temple (진관사 (서울)) is one of Seoul’s four most famous temples.

Jingwansa is one of Seoul’s most important temple

In the heart of Bukhansan Park and at the crossroads of two valleys, this temple enjoys a beautiful surrounding environment.

Jingwansa also offers a Temple Stay program, allowing you to stay overnight and participate in the temple’s daily activities. To find out more about the Temple Stay program, check out the official website here.

In a Nutshell:

– Jingwansa Temple is popular with foreign visitors and even ambassadors from all over the world.
– The temple is famous for its work in preserving the Buddhist gastronomic tradition.
– Even cooks from the White House stayed there to learn Buddhist cuisine from the monks.
– The temple was built in 1011 by King Hyeonjong, the eighth king of Goryeo, which was built for the monk Jin Gwan who protected him from the fall of Queen Cheonchu.
– So knowing all that, now you must be curious to know more about Jingwansa Temple. No worries, here is all you need to know about it.

HOW TO GET TO JINGWANSA TEMPLE?

Address:

73, Jingwan-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul

Public transportation:

Subway + Bus: Yeonsinnae Station (line 6 and 3), exit 3 + bus 701 or 7211, Hana High School stop, Samchunsa Temple, Jingwansa Temple Entrance (하나 고. 삼 천사. 진관사 입구).

By car:

About 10 to 15km from Jongno-Gu, Jingwansa is easily accessible, with a big car park right in front of the Temple. Unlike most of the mountain temples in Korea, Jingwansa is easily accessible and doesn’t require a long hike to reach it. Hence, it is one of the most visited temples in Seoul.

WHAT TO SEE AT JINGWANSA TEMPLE IN SEOUL?

1. Jingwansa Treasure Trail

After crossing the entrance gate there is a bridge called Gukrak and a well-maintained wooden deck right next to it. Take this path for about 100 meters, it is the Jingwansa Treasure Trail where you can experience the fresh greenery of the Jingwansa Valley.

Be sure to walk there when entering or exiting the temple as the atmosphere is very special.

2. Enjoy a good cup of tea at Yeonjiwon

When you cross the Gukrak Bridge and go up to the center of the Temple, you pass the Sesimgyo Bridge, the bridge that clear your mind.

On the left side, there is Yeonjiwon, where you can taste traditional tea. It is a nice place to gather. It was created as a place where anyone can come and drink a nice cup of tea.

3. Jingwansa is known for its unique food

Behind Yeonjiwon is the scent of Hyangjeokdang and Jeho. This is the pride of Jingwansa Temple, and it is a unique tourist element and a place where you can experience temple food (vegetarian and no use of onions, garlic, leeks, soy sauce – wondering about the taste ? No worries it’s super yummy and tasty !).

Jingwansa boils the seasonal vegetables as they are, preparing them carefully according to the teachings of Buddha. The food is really healthy and delicious. If you come to Korea, make sure to try some temple food.

If you watch Netflix, we strongly recommend watching “Chef’s Table” featuring Jeong Kwan, a temple food master. She cooks at Baekyangsa Temple. However, Jingwansa is another famous destination for trying Korean temple food. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity.

4. Visit the beautiful pine tree forest at Jingwansa

After visiting the temple head to the forest, to see beautiful pine trees. There are also many hikes in the Bukhansan which start (or end) near

5. Visit the main buildings of Jingwansa Temple

Before entering the courtyard of Daeungjeon Hall, you can see the Buddhist temple and the gardens of the Jingwansa temple in harmony with the Bukhansan mountains in the background.

After looking around Daeungjeon descends to Sesimgyo in front of the prison. There cross the bridge and head towards Hamwoldang and Templestay History Hall. The Hall, which shines at the first prize of the Seoul Architecture Prize, is a beautiful and elegant space combining traditional Hanok with a sophisticated and modern interior.

IN CONCLUSION – IS JINGWANSA WORTH VISITING?

Nestled amid the hustle and bustle of South Korea’s dynamic capital, Seoul lies a hidden gem of serenity and spirituality – Jingwansa Temple.

While the city is known for its modernity and vibrant urban life, Seoul also boasts a rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Jingwansa Temple, located in the picturesque Bukhansan National Park, offers a peaceful escape from the city’s fast-paced lifestyle.

t serves as a reminder that, even in the midst of a bustling metropolis, one can find solace, spirituality, and a deep connection to the country’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you seek a moment of meditation or a deeper understanding of Buddhism, Jingwansa Temple is a tranquil oasis waiting to be explored.

And of course, absolutely worth visiting!

OTHER TEMPLES WORTH VISITING IN SOUTH KOREA

NAKSAN TEMPLE, a beautiful temple on the east coast
HAEDONG YONGGUNGSA, the most beautiful temple in Korea located in Busan
JEONDEUNGSA TEMPLE in Ganghwado near Seoul

JINGWANSA BUDDHIST TEMPLE – FULL GUIDE [KOREA]