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Pabellón Beopwangru
The Beopwangru Pavilion within the Bongeunsa temple complex serves as a versatile assembly hall, accommodating large religious ceremonies and community events when the main hall reaches capacity. Elevated on a platform, it functions as a gateway to the temple's central courtyard, with visitors passing beneath or across it to reach the heart of the complex. Inside, the pavilion houses 3,300 small statues of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. The name itself references Buddha as sovereign of the Dharma.
Salón Daewoongjeon
Daewoongjeon Hall, whose name translates as "Hall of the Great Hero" in reference to Gautama Buddha's transcendence of human limitations and attainment of enlightenment, serves as the spiritual and liturgical heart of Bongeunsa temple. Positioned along the temple's central axis directly behind the Beopwangru pavilion and overlooking the main courtyard, the entire architectural layout of the complex converges upon it. This is where daily ceremonies, prayers and various Buddhist activities take place. What to see here reflects the core spiritual purpose of the temple.
Salón Seonbuldang
Seonbuldang Hall is a meditation and study space within the Bongeunsa temple complex in Seoul. Dedicated to zen Buddhist practice (seon in Korean), the hall serves as a centre for meditation, scriptural study and Buddhist precepts. Located in the main rear courtyard, it stands alongside Daewoongjeon Hall. Visitors can explore this intimate space to understand the contemplative traditions central to Korean Buddhism and what to see within the broader temple grounds.
Jijangjeon Hall
Jijangjeon Hall is the dedicated sanctuary within Bongeunsa Temple honouring Jijang Bosal (Kshtigarbha Bodhisattva), the protective bodhisattva of souls. According to Buddhist tradition, this bodhisattva vows to liberate all beings from suffering in the afterlife before achieving enlightenment himself. The hall serves as a place of worship where devotees come to pray for deceased ancestors, conduct memorial ceremonies and find solace during bereavement. Today it remains one of the temple's most active spaces, particularly during ritual ceremonies when sutra chanting, temple bells and drums fill the air, creating a deeply solemn atmosphere.
Salón Yeongsanjeon
Yeongsanjeon is a modest hall set in the upper grounds of Bongeunsa temple, commemorating Vulture Peak (Gridhrakuta), the Indian mountain where Buddha Sakyamuni preached the Lotus Sutra. Inside, you'll find a sculptural triad depicting Sakyamuni flanked by his disciples Mahakashyapa and Ananda, accompanied by sixteen arhat figures. What to see here reflects the temple's deep Buddhist heritage and artistic craftsmanship.
Salón Bukcheongbojeon
The Bukgeukbojeon, or 'Hall of the Heavenly Northern Treasure', is a small pavilion situated at the upper level of Bongeunsa temple, adjacent to the Yeongsanjeon hall. It represents a rare synthesis of astral and shamanistic beliefs within Korean Buddhism, making it one of the most distinctive spaces within the temple complex. The syncretic nature of the hall offers insight into how Korean Buddhist practice has historically incorporated diverse spiritual traditions.
Yeonggak Pavilion
The Yeonggak, or Hall of Illuminated Spirits, is the most secluded area within the Bongeunsa temple complex in Seoul. Positioned on the highest, most tranquil section of the grounds and surrounded by nature, this intimate hall serves as a memorial to the prominent Buddhist monks who shaped the temple's history and to Korean soldiers who died in war. It's a place of quiet reverence within the larger temple precinct.
Great Maitreya Buddha Statue
The Great Maitreya Buddha statue dominates the Bongeunsa Temple's open ceremonial plaza with its imposing 23-metre height, making it South Korea's tallest stone statue. It depicts Mireuk Daebul, the Buddha of the Future, representing spiritual rebirth and the promise of a new age of peace and wisdom in Buddhist philosophy. The sculpture creates a striking contrast: the serene presence of the Dharma set against Gangnam's towering modern skyline. A significant site to visit for both spiritual seekers and those interested in Korean Buddhist heritage and contemporary temple architecture.
Salón Mireukseon
Mireukseon Hall is the indoor prayer space dedicated to Maitreya Buddha, positioned directly opposite the temple's striking 23-metre Future Buddha statue in the ceremonial plaza. Its placement is deliberate—the hall provides an intimate, sheltered counterpoint to the statue's imposing outdoor presence. Visitors can make offerings and recite mantras venerating Maitreya within this quiet sanctuary, creating a contemplative complement to the grand external monument.
Pantheon Hall
Salón Panjeon—literally "hall of wooden tablets"—is the oldest surviving structure at Bongeunsa temple in Seoul. It endured the devastating 1939 fire that destroyed much of the temple complex. Inside, you'll find a remarkable collection of 3,438 hand-carved wooden blocks inscribed with Buddhist sutras, a statue of Vairocana Buddha, and a calligraphic inscription of considerable historical and artistic significance. What to see here offers genuine insight into Korean Buddhist heritage and traditional craftsmanship.
- 1.Pabellón Beopwangru
- 2.Salón Daewoongjeon
- 3.Salón Seonbuldang
- 4.Jijangjeon Hall
- 5.Salón Yeongsanjeon
- 6.Salón Bukcheongbojeon
- 7.Yeonggak Pavilion
- 8.Great Maitreya Buddha Statue
- 9.Salón Mireukseon
- 10.Pantheon Hall
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