The contrast between modernity and tradition is one of South Korea's most defining characteristics. (Photo: © parksang118/123RF.com)
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June 2026
In the middle of the modern cityscape of the metropolis Seoul stands a majestic temple: Over the decades it has borne several names, today it is known as Jogyesa Temple.
The Jogyesa Temple as a refuge for devout Koreans during the Japanese occupation. Even today, it follows the "Jogye Order," which is representative of the 1.700-year-old Korean Buddhism The doctrine of this faith states: "To point directly to one's own mind, to realize one's own nature, and to attain Buddhahood in order to lead Buddhist youth to religious activities." According to the monks of the Jogyesa Temple, one follows this doctrine, and they offer visitors a Templestay a very special insight into their everyday lives.
Although today's buildings appear rather modern compared to many old temples, Jogyesa an enormous symbolic significance as spiritual center of Korean BuddhismLocated in the heart of Seoul, the temple is both a place of vibrant practice and a tranquil oasis in the hectic city life.
The Daeungjeon main hall was built in 1938 from pine wood from the Baekdu Mountains and is filled daily with the sound of prayers and chants. In front of it stands an octagonal, ten-story stone pagoda, completed in 2009, which houses sacred relics of Shakyamuni Buddha Preserved artifacts, which were brought to Korea as early as 1913 by the Sri Lankan monk Ven. Dalmabara. Nearby, a large metal plaque inscribed with the Heart Sutra serves as a reminder of the deep spiritual roots of the place.
The way food is Nature plays a quiet but powerful role on the temple grounds.Two ancient trees dominate the courtyard: a roughly 500-year-old pine and a tall pagoda tree that seems to watch over the grounds. Together with the sound of the temple bell and the large dharma drum at sunrise and sunset, an atmosphere is created that feels almost unrealistically peaceful in the heart of the city.
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South Korea appears very modern and secular at first glance, but Buddhism remains deeply rooted in the country. and continues to shape its culture to this day. For example. 16 to 17 percent of the population are official Buddhists, but his influence extends far beyond that number. Since his introduction in the 4th century Buddhism has accompanied Korean history and has strongly influenced art, architecture, and ways of thinking.
Even though around half of the people now do not belong to any religion and Christianity the largest organized religious community, one encounters the Buddhism throughout the countryThe following are particularly impressive: ancient temples like Haeinsa or Bulguksa, which often appear almost timeless in the mountains and landscapes – as quiet places in the middle of a very fast-paced, urban society.
The Buddhist influence is evident not only in temples or rituals, but also in the everyday lives of many people. Values such as peace, mindfulness, harmony and respect for life They are deeply rooted in the culture, even among those who do not actively identify as Buddhists. Thus, in South Korea, Buddhism is less a religion and more a... a quiet but vibrant part of the country's identity, connecting the past and present.
But what exactly are we talking about when we discuss Korean Buddhism? Korean Buddhism originated when Buddhism arrived in Korea from China in 372 AD, where the Shamanism, the basic belief system was. Shamanism is based on one central idea: Everything possesses a spirit. This applies not only to people, but also to things like Mountains, rivers, trees or stars – the world is understood as alive – full of Ghosts that either help or cause chaos can.
It was believed that these spirits could influence people's lives both positively and negatively. Good spirits could bring health, success, or protection, while angry spirits could cause misfortune, disasters, or illness. Therefore, if something went wrong, there was a spiritual reason for it. Intermediaries, known as spirit guides, stood between these spirits and the people. ShamansThey led rituals through, in order to heal diseases, appease angry spirits, or communicate with ancestors.
These ideas also gave rise to the notion that the Nature is sacred Landscapes, especially mountains, were considered the dwelling places of powerful spirits, and it was crucial for survival to be on good terms with them. The mountain spirit, in Korean Sanshin, is often described as old man depicted, accompanied by a tiger. The word is composed of San (山 - mountain) and Shin (神 - God/Spirit), which literally means "mountain deity".
Briefly explained: What is Buddhism?Buddhism originated around the time 5th century BC with the teachings of Buddha – Siddhartha Gautama, whose name roughly translates to "the Awakened One".
The focus is less on belief in a specific higher power than on the conscious engagement with one's own mind and experiencesThe goal is to alleviate human suffering – in Buddhism also Dukkha This refers to understanding and overcoming not only pain, but also stress, dissatisfaction, and the constant restlessness of everyday life.
According to Buddhist teachings, this suffering arises primarily from attachment: from clinging to possessions, desires, expectations, or from trying to prevent change. Those who learn to let go of these attachments can Finding inner freedom.
The path there is described as the "Noble Eightfold Path". The goal is Nirvana. – a state free from desire, suffering, and the cycle of rebirth.
The Jogyesa Temple is the site of various festivals every year.In spring, one of Korea's most colorful Buddhist events takes place: the Lotus Lantern Festival Yeondeunghoe to celebrate Buddha's birthday. It dates back to a custom over 1.300 years old, in which lanterns are lit on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month to honor Buddha and to represent light, hope and unity.
The lotus lantern festival usually lasts several days around the Buddha's Birthday and transforms not only the temple, but the entire Jongno district into a sea of colorful lanterns. Weeks before the festival, traditional paper lotus lanterns (Hanji lanterns) are hung on streets, in parks, and especially around the Jogyesa Temple.
The highlight of the festival is the large lantern parade, in which thousands of participants – locals and visitors alike – carry lanterns through the streets of Seoul, from the ancient city gate Heunginjimun to Jogyesa Temple. The parade is accompanied by music, traditional performances, and Buddhist chants, and symbolizes the Desire for enlightenment and inner peace.
After the parade cultural events around the temple The festival includes traditional music and dance performances, lantern-making workshops, and communal celebrations in the Eoulim Madang – an open festival area surrounding the temple. This festival is not just a religious ceremony, but deliberately opens itself to the general public: non-Buddhists can also participate and carry lanterns, which makes the community-building and communal significance the event underlines.
Every autumn, the Jogyesa Temple celebrates the Chrysanthemum Festival and adorns the temple with chrysanthemums and Buddhist statues surrounded by flowers and trees. A real eye-catcher for every temple visitor.
The fact that the Chrysanthemum Festival is so closely linked to the Jogyesa Temple also has a deeper symbolic meaningBuddha is said to have been born in a garden and to have found his enlightenment under a tree. To this day, the story continues to play a significant role. Nature in Buddhism a central role – not as a distraction, but as A place of clarity and insight.
Flowers, in particular, are seen as symbols of impermanence in Buddhism: they bloom magnificently but wither again after a short time. This illustrates one of the most important Buddhist principles – that nothing lasts forever. The Chrysanthemum Festival embraces precisely this idea. Amidst artful floral arrangements and tranquil temple courtyards, visitors are introduced to the philosophy of Korean Buddhism in a truly impressive way.
The Temple stay at the Jogyesa Temple It offers the opportunity to experience traditional Korean culture and Korean Buddhism. The program includes chanting, meditation, tea ceremonies, and Buddhist meals.
In the Jogyesa Temple three types of temple stays offered:
Life in a Buddhist temple grants Insights into everyday life and the disciplined practice of the monksThe day usually begins with morning chants and 108 bows, followed by traditional meals and meditation. Other activities include meditation in nature, crafting lamps from rice paper – like those used at festivals – and traditional tea ceremonies. Maintaining the temple grounds is also part of daily life.
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About the Jogyesa TempleOpening hours
Monday to Sunday from 4 p.m. to 23 p.m.
General information website: Templestay
Reservations (Various temples and programs are available)
Prices for one night at Templestay
50.000 to 70.000 won (average 29 to 40 euros)DHB now also digital!Simply click here and register for the digital German Crafts Journal (DHB)!
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