Lotus lanterns and candle wishes at Bongeunsa, a 1,200-year-old temple in Gangnam

Self-paid. The blogger paid for this visit.

Bongeunsa is a Buddhist temple with about 1,200 years of history, now surrounded by the towers of Samseong-dong and open to everyone. Buy a candle and write your wishes on it, and in July and August walk under rows of lanterns past blooming lotus.

불교를 믿지 않더라도 모두에게 열려있는 공간이니
Even if you are not Buddhist, it is open to everyone.

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Is it for you?

Go forA ₩3,000 candle to write your wishes on, a giant Maitreya Buddha against the city skyline, and lotus blooms in summer. It is known locally as a place to pray for wealth and good luck.

Skip ifYou want a calm temple visit. On the first day of the lunar month it was packed for prayers, with queues and line-cutting at the candle stands.

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A one-minute walk from Bongeunsa Station Exit 1.
Avoid the first day of the lunar month if you want quiet.
The local good-luck route: bow three times at the entrance, light a candle, toss a coin in the pond, bow at the main hall, wish at Bukgeukbojeon, then walk three times around the Maitreya Buddha.
The Buddhist goods shop takes cards.
No photos or video inside the main hall.

Lotus lanterns and candle wishes at Bongeunsa, a 1,200-year-old temple in Gangnam

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Is it for you?

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