Jogyesa, Buddhist temple in Jongno district, Seoul, South Korea
Jogyesa is a Buddhist temple in Seoul's Jongno district that features a large main hall housing three golden Buddha statues and shelters ancient trees within its walled courtyard. The layout creates a quiet sanctuary set apart from the surrounding city streets.
The temple was founded in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty under its original name Gakhwangsa. It was renamed Jogyesa in 1954 following Korea's independence.
The temple sits at the heart of Seoul's Buddhist community, serving as the headquarters of the Jogye Order that guides Korean Buddhism today. Visitors see monks in robes moving through the courtyards and can join meditation sessions that happen regularly throughout the year.
The temple welcomes visitors to join meditation sessions and Buddhist cultural programs throughout the year, with English-speaking guides available for international guests. Walking through the grounds allows you to explore its peaceful inner spaces at your own pace.
The grounds shelter two ancient trees that stand as living monuments to the past: a white pine over 500 years old and a Chinese scholar tree over 450 years old. Both trees are officially protected natural treasures.
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