Free: All time
Gilsang-sa Temple site was originally an elite restaurant in Deawongak area. The restaurant owner donated the property (which totals about 5.7 acres and is valued at over USD 100 million) to a Buddhist monk to be turned into a temple. Thanks to her generosity, this temple now serves as an establishment open to local and international visitors. The temple offers a variety of Buddhist programs like classes on Buddhism, zen center, and temple stay. While the Zen Center is only open to Buddhists who have prior participation, the House of Silence is open to anybody wishing to meditate. It’s available for public access from Monday to Saturday 10 am to 5pm. Even if you are not the religious type, Gilsang-sa Temple ground is beautiful to visit. During May, the grounds are festooned with lanterns all over for Buddha’s birthday. A shuttle bus runs to the temple from near the subway exit at 8.30am, 9.20am, 9.40am, 10am, noon, 1pm, 3pm and 4.30pm.
Address: 323 Seonguk 2-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am – 6pm
Direction: Underground Line 4 to Hanseong University Station, Exit 6
Phone: +82 3672-5945
Website: www.gilsangsa.or.kr/aaa_eng/home/default_in.asp
Photo credit: Gilsang-sa
