Buddhist temples are an important part of the Korean landscape. This article gives a brief overview of Korean Buddhism, then describes some of the more important temples in Korea. Most Korean temples have names ending in -sa, which means "temple" in Sino-Korean.
A National Treasure is a tangible treasure, artifact, site, or building which is recognized by the South Korean government as having exceptional artistic, cultural and historical value to the country. The title is one of the eight State-designated heritage classifications assigned by the administrator of the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) in accordance with the Cultural Heritage Protection Act after deliberation by the Cultural Heritage Committee.
Bongwon Temple is a South Korean Buddhist temple in Bongwon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, near Yonsei University.
Korean architecture refers to an architectural style that developed over centuries in Korea. Ever since the immigration of people originating from Siberia and Manchuria, Korea had kept an influence of Chinese architecture in the works because of close relations.
Jogyesa is the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, becoming so in 1936. It thus plays a leading role in the current state of Seon Buddhism in South Korea. The temple was first established in 1395, at the dawn of the Joseon Dynasty; the modern temple was founded in 1910 and initially called "Gakhwangsa". The name was changed to "Taegosa" during the period of Japanese rule, and then to the present name in 1954.
Hinduism is a minority religion in Korea. There are 10,414 Indians in South Korea, most of whom are Hindus. Through Buddhism, it has also had an indirect impact on certain aspects of traditional Korean thought. The Four Heavenly Kings that can be seen in Korean Buddhist temples originated from the Lokapālas.
Tapgol Park, formerly Pagoda Park, is a small public park located at 97 Jongno (street), Seoul, South Korea. This park was once a site of Wongaksa. The word tap means "pagoda", and the park gets its name from the Wongaksa Pagoda, a 10 storied stone pagoda located in the park.
Shilleuksa is a Korean Buddhist temple situated against a low hill on the north side of the river Namhan, three kilometers east of Yeoju in Gyeonggi Province, approximately one-hour southeast of Seoul. The only riverside temple in Korea, Shilleuksa is a sacred pilgrimage site and a repository of seven Treasures. A 500-year-old aromatic juniper tree and a 600-year-old ginkgo tree stand on the temple grounds.
Dongjak District (Dongjak-gu) is one of the 25 gu that make up the city of Seoul, South Korea. Its name was derived from the Dongjaegi Naruteo Ferry, on the Han River which borders the district to the north. It was the 17th gu created in Seoul, after being separated from Gwanak District on April 1, 1980.
Bongeunsa is a Buddhist temple located in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu in Seoul, South Korea. It was founded in 794 during the reign of King Wonseong by the monk Yeon-hoe (Korean: 연희), then the highest ranking monk of Silla, and originally named Kyeonseongsa. It is located on the slope of Sudo Mountain, across the street from the COEX Mall.
Mangwolsa Station is a metro station on Seoul Subway Line 1. Named after a Silla-era Buddhist temple in the mountains to the west, it is the first station for services leaving Seoul heading north, and lies in the city of Uijeongbu.
Gyeongguksa is a Buddhist temple of the Jogye Order in Seoul, South Korea. Founded in 1325 it is located in 753 Jeongneung-dong, in the Seongbuk-gu area of the city.
Naewonsa is a Buddhist temple of the Jogye Order in Seoul, South Korea. It is located in San 1 Jeongneung-dong in the Seongbuk-gu area of the city.
Daegaksa is a Buddhist temple of the Jogye Order in Seoul, South Korea. It is located in Bongik 2-dong in the Jongno-gu area of the city.
Doseonsa is a Buddhist temple of the Jogye Order in Seoul, South Korea. It is located at 264 Ui-dong, in the Gangbuk-gu area of the city and is the largest temple complex on Bukhansan, the most prominent mountain north of Seoul. The temple was dedicated in 862, though none of its original structures survive.
Manwolam is a Buddhist temple of the Jogye Order in Seoul, South Korea. It is located at San 29-1 Dobong 1-dong, in the Dobong-gu area of the city.
Heungcheonsa is a Buddhist temple of the Jogye Order in Seoul, South Korea. It is located at 592 Donam-dong, in the Seongbuk-gu area of the city.
Inwangsa is a Buddhist temple of the Bonwon Order in Mt. Inwangsan, Seoul, South Korea. It is located at San 2 Muak-dong, in the Jongno-gu area of the city. When King Taejo of Joseon Dynasty established the capital city in Seoul, he assigned Josaeng, a monk from a Buddhist temple affiliated to the royal court as the head monk of the new temple to establish it at the site.
Yongmun Station is a station on the Gyeongui-Jungang Line in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. It was the eastern terminus of the commuter railway, running from Seoul to Yangpyeong County until 2017. Mugunghwa trains also stop at this station.
