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Bongeunsa Temple
봉은사
Historic site · Gangnam-gu
A thousand-year-old temple opposite COEX, ringed by Gangnam skyscrapers. The 23m Maitreya Buddha and pine-lined paths make it a downtown healing spot.
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Source: bongeunsa.org
Nearby in Gangnam-gu
Bongeun Park
FreePark · Samseongjungang Stn. (Line 9)
Home to Bongeunsa Temple, the park offers plenty of Buddhist experience programmes, and as a historic-site park it holds designated cultural properties including the commentary woodblocks of the Avatamsaka Sutra, the 'Panjeon' plaque written by Chusa Kim Jeong-hui in his later years, and the Seonbuldang hall.
Starfield Library
FreeLibrary · Samseong Stn. (Line 2), Bongeunsa Stn. (Line 9)
Famous for its 13m-high shelves, this is a photo hotspot inside COEX Mall. Ideal escape from summer heat and winter cold, with plenty of seating.
Cheongdam Neighborhood Park
FreePark · Cheongdam Stn. (Line 7)
Cheongdam Park is a hillside park in Cheongdam-dong, an area packed with high-rise apartments, detached houses and shops, making it an important piece of nature in the city. Step inside and the sound of the brook and of mountain birds makes it feel like deep forest
World Golf History Museum
₩5,000Museum · Samseong Stn. (Line 2)
The World Golf History Museum
Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education Gangnam Library
FreeLibrary · Seolleung Stn. (Line 9, Suin-Bundang Line)
Public library in Gangnam-gu. Free entry and reading, with heating and air conditioning.
Jeongdaun Library
FreeLibrary · Gangnam-gu Office Stn. (Line 7, Suin-Bundang Line)
Public library in Gangnam-gu. Free entry and reading, with heating and air conditioning.
Other historic sites in Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Free if eligibleJongno-gu · Gyeongbokgung Stn. (Line 3) Exit 5
Joseon's foremost royal palace. Free on the last Wednesday of the month or in hanbok. The changing of the guard ceremony (10:00 and 14:00) is always free.
Changdeokgung Palace
Free if eligibleJongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3) Exit 3
A UNESCO World Heritage site famed for autumn foliage. Free entry applies to the main palace only; the Secret Garden requires a separate booking.
Changgyeonggung Palace
Free if eligibleJongno-gu · Hyehwa Stn. (Line 4) Exit 4
A palace with a Grand Greenhouse and the Chundangji pond. Linked internally to Changdeokgung, and beautifully lit during night openings.
Deoksugung Palace
Free if eligibleJung-gu · City Hall Stn. (Lines 1, 2) Exit 2
A downtown palace where Seokjojeon sits alongside traditional halls. Open until 9pm, it's popular for evening strolls and the stone wall road; the changing of the guard is free.
Jongmyo Shrine
Free if eligibleJongno-gu · Jongno 3-ga Stn. (Lines 1, 3, 5) Exit 11
A World Heritage shrine housing the spirit tablets of Joseon kings and queens, with a meditative path through dense woods. Self-guided visits on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays are the most relaxed.