Seoul | Daewongak, one of Korea's three largest restaurants, donates its assets. The legends and meditation of Kichijoji Temple.

Seoul boasts three major temples. Besides the previously mentioned Bongeunsa Temple and Jogyesa Temple, our featured temple today is Samgaksan Gigisara Temple. Unlike the previous two temples, hidden within the bustling city, Gigisara Temple is located on Samgaksan Mountain in Buk-gu, making it a great place for a spring outing and Buddhist worship.

In fact, there's a story behind this: this temple was originally home to Daewongak, one of Korea's three most famous traditional Korean restaurants, alongside Samcheonggak and Cheongungak. It was a renowned venue for backroom politics in South Korea. Inspired by the "non-possession" philosophy of monk Beopjeong, the owner, Kim Young-han, donated the temple in her later years. After ten years of renovation, it became Gigisara Temple.

Located along the mountainside, the architecture blends seamlessly with nature, evoking the aesthetics of Japanese Buddhist temples. A unique feature is the large quiet area where worshippers can meditate. This area is open to all, provided they adhere to the rules. As a result, even on weekdays, the temple is always crowded with worshippers.

What's most unique is this statue of Guanyin, created by Catholic artist Choi Jong-tae. Unlike any other existing Guanyin statues, it instead has a Marian-like quality. Perhaps it symbolizes religious tolerance.

📍Address: 68 Seonjam-ro 5-gil, Seongbuk District, Seoul, South Korea
🚗Exit 6 of Seoul National University Station, transfer to bus number 2 to Gwangji Station, and walk two minutes to the destination.
#9月好去2025

Post by 旅行中的野馬 | Sep 26, 2025