Jogyesa Temple

Jogyesa is the chief temple of the Jogye Order, the largest branch of Korean Buddhism, and the most important working temple in central Seoul. It was founded in 1910 as Gakhwangsa by monks seeking independence for Korean Buddhism, moved to its present site in the 1930s, and took its current name in 1954. Unlike the mountain temples elsewhere in Korea, it sits among office blocks a few minutes from Insadong, which makes it an easy introduction to temple life.

The main hall, Daeungjeon, was built in 1938 with pine timber brought from Baekdusan. Its painted eaves and finely carved lattice doors are worth a close look, and inside three large gilded Buddha statues sit behind rows of worshippers on cushions. Visitors may enter quietly, but remove your shoes and avoid walking in front of people at prayer. In the courtyard, an old lacebark pine, protected as a natural monument, and a large Chinese scholar tree give shade.

The temple is at its most colourful in the weeks before Buddha's Birthday in spring, when thousands of paper lanterns are strung across the courtyard and the Lotus Lantern Festival parade ends nearby, and in autumn, when chrysanthemum displays fill the grounds. At any time of year you will hear chanting and the temple bell at set times of day.

Entry is free and the grounds are open around the clock, though building hours depend on the ceremony schedule. Allow 30 minutes to an hour. Dress modestly and keep your voice down. For a deeper experience, the Templestay Information Center a few steps from the temple can arrange short programmes that include meditation, a tea ceremony and temple food, and the Balwoo Gongyang restaurant serves Buddhist temple cuisine just next door.

On the evening of the Lotus Lantern Festival parade, lanterns made by temples and community groups are carried along Jongno from Dongdaemun towards the temple, and the courtyard stays lit long into the night.

Jonggak Station on Line 1 and Anguk Station on Line 3 are both within a ten-minute walk. Insadong's craft shops and tea houses are around the corner, Gyeongbokgung and Gwanghwamun Square are to the west, and the start of the Cheonggyecheon stream walk is a short stroll south.