It was my second time to be in Seoul and for these two times, it was raining. But the rain will not stop me from wandering around Seoul. At the heart of the lavish Gangnam is the Buddhist temple known as Bongeunsa Temple. It is exactly located on the slope of Sudo Mountain, across the street from the COEX Mall.

After walking out of the subway (Bongeunsa Temple station), we saw the gate with two elephant statues. The main gate of the temple is known  as Jinyeomun (Gate of Truth) and the main shrine Daewungjeon is filled with Buddhist symbols and spirituality.

The Bongeunsa temple was built in 794 with the former name as Gyeonseongsa Temple at the north of the COEX building. It was founded by the monk Yeon-hoe during the 10th year of Silla King Weongseong’s reign. Queen Jeonghyeon relocated the temple at the east of the royal mausoleum of the 9th monarch, King Seongjong in 1498 and called it Bongeunsa. The temple was relocated for the third time to its current location during the reign of Joseon’s 13th king, King Myeongjong.

What I like about the Bongeunsa Temple is the impressive 23 meters tall statue of the Maitreya (Future) Buddha. This is considered the tallest statue of Buddha in Korea. Construction of the statue began in 1986 and completed after 10 years.

Bongeunsa Temple is a perfect place to relax spiritually amidst the luxurious lifestyle surrounding the Gangnam district.