Jogyesa Temple in Seoul offers immersive Buddhist experiences, including templestay programs, art appreciation, festivals, and temple cuisine.
Discovering Korean Buddhism through immersive experiences at Jogyesa Temple offers more than sightseeing. This serene temple in central Seoul welcomes visitors with a range of cultural programs that offer deeper understanding and connection to Korean Buddhist traditions.
Through activities such as templestay programs, meditation, traditional temple meals, and seasonal festivals, Jogyesa introduces guests to spiritual practices and artistic heritage that reflect Korea’s unique religious culture. Every experience—from calm introspection to vibrant lantern festivals—reveals a different aspect of Buddhism’s role in Korean life.
Templestay programs for spiritual immersion
Jogyesa offers a templestay program where visitors can participate in monastic daily life and explore Buddhist philosophy through firsthand experience. The programs range from short one-day introductions to multi-day stays. Participants engage in dawn rituals, silent meditation, and shared meals known as baru gongyang, learning both spiritual discipline and mindfulness.
Seon meditation for inner peace
One of the core activities is Seon (Zen) meditation, a quiet practice of sitting still and focusing the mind. This helps participants slow down from urban pace and reflect inward, fostering mental clarity and emotional balance.
Baru gongyang, the mindful meal
During the communal temple meal, participants learn to eat with gratitude and without waste. The ritual emphasizes simplicity and respect for food, aligning with Buddhist values of non-attachment and sustainability.
Tea time with monks
A special highlight is the tea session with monks, called chadam. Visitors ask questions about Buddhist teachings and life at the temple while enjoying traditional tea. This session offers spiritual insights and cultural understanding in a relaxed setting.
Admiring Buddhist art and temple architecture
Jogyesa is a living gallery of Korean Buddhist aesthetics. Its ornate architecture, colorful decorations, and symbolic sculptures reflect centuries of artistic tradition.
The Daeungjeon (Main Hall) stands at the heart of the temple, richly adorned with multicolored dancheong patterns. Inside, three large Buddha statues sit peacefully, surrounded by intricate wall paintings. In front of the hall, the five-story stone pagoda serves as an iconic landmark of Jogyesa and a striking example of Korean stone masonry.
Walking through the temple grounds, visitors can appreciate the harmonious blend of nature, art, and spirituality that defines Buddhist architecture in Korea.
Lantern Festival and Chrysanthemum Exhibition
Seasonal festivals at Jogyesa offer a vivid, joyful way to engage with Buddhist culture. Every spring, around Buddha’s Birthday in May, the temple hosts the Yeon Deung Hoe (Lotus Lantern Festival). The temple grounds and nearby streets glow with thousands of illuminated lanterns, each symbolizing a prayer or wish for peace.
In autumn, the Chrysanthemum Festival transforms the temple into a floral sanctuary. Visitors can stroll among delicate, fragrant displays arranged around temple structures, combining nature’s beauty with spiritual atmosphere.
These festivals create memorable moments while showcasing the temple’s active role in preserving Korean Buddhist traditions.
Tasting Korean temple cuisine
Buddhist cuisine, or sachal eumsik, is central to the temple experience. Known for its health benefits and plant-based ingredients, this culinary tradition emphasizes seasonal vegetables, natural flavors, and balance.
Around Jogyesa, several restaurants specialize in temple food, offering dishes that are both nutritious and flavorful. As part of some templestay programs, participants can also try cooking these meals themselves using traditional methods.
Temple cuisine avoids artificial seasoning, focusing instead on harmony between ingredients. This reflects the Buddhist principle of mindfulness even in everyday actions like cooking and eating.
Helpful tips for visiting Jogyesa
Location:
Jogyesa Temple is located at 55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul. It is easily accessible by public transportation, especially from Anguk and Jonggak subway stations.
Dress code:
Visitors are encouraged to wear modest and respectful attire, as the temple is an active place of worship.
Etiquette:
Maintain quiet behavior in the temple compound and follow Buddhist customs. For example, bow slightly when entering halls, and avoid pointing feet at statues.
Photography:
Some areas may have restrictions on taking pictures. Look for signs or ask temple staff if unsure.
A doorway into Korean Buddhist tradition
Jogyesa Temple stands as a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of Seoul, offering visitors a rare opportunity to connect with Korean Buddhist traditions in an authentic way. Whether it’s through mindful meditation, aesthetic appreciation, seasonal festivals, or healthy cuisine, every moment at Jogyesa adds depth to the cultural journey.
The temple’s accessible location and variety of experiences make it a valuable destination for those seeking both spiritual insight and a richer understanding of Korean heritage.