Jogyesa Temple

Chief temple of Korean Seon Buddhism since 1936, nestled in central Seoul.

Jogyesa Temple in the heart of Seoul is the spiritual center of Korean Seon Buddhism. Founded in 1395 during the Joseon dynasty, it was designated the chief temple of the Jogye Order in 1936, Korea's largest Buddhist organization. The main hall Daeungjeon houses three gilded Buddha statues and is flanked by ancient white pines and plane trees that predate the buildings by centuries. Set within the busy Jongno-gu district, the temple grounds offer unexpected calm amid the urban bustle. During the spring Lotus Lantern Festival, the courtyard transforms into a sea of colorful light.