Jogyesa Temple

Jogyesa Temple (조계사) is the head temple of the Jogye sect, the largest sect of Korean Buddhism. Located in the heart of Seoul, precisely in the Jongno-gu area, this temple is not only a center of religious activities, but also one of the popular tourist destinations in the city. Jogyesa Temple is known for its beautiful traditional Korean architecture, including its main building, the Daeungjeon (Great Hall), which is the main place of worship. The Daeungjeon features a large Buddha statue and is often used for religious ceremonies. The building is decorated with bright colors, intricate carvings, and traditional paintings. In the temple grounds, there is an old pine tree estimated to be over 500 years old, which adds to the peaceful and solemn atmosphere of the temple. Jogyesa Temple is active in various religious and cultural activities. Every year, the temple is the center of the Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeon Deung Hoe), which is one of the largest Buddhist celebrations in Korea. The festival features a parade of colorful lanterns that decorate the streets of Seoul. In addition, the temple also offers a Temple Stay program, where visitors can experience monastic life for a while, learn meditation, and participate in religious ceremonies. Jogyesa Temple is very easy to access because of its location in the center of Seoul. The temple is close to many other historical sites, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village, so it is often part of the itinerary of tourists visiting Seoul. Jogyesa Temple is not only a place of worship, but also an important symbol of the revival and spread of Buddhism in Korea.