Holy Sites in South Korea
8 sacred sites ranked by global significance
South Korea is home to 8 significant sacred sites representing Buddhism and Multi-faith traditions. Each of these holy places carries its own history, rituals, and spiritual atmosphere, offering visitors a window into the spiritual life that has shaped communities in South Korea for generations. Whether you are drawn by faith, culture, or curiosity, the sacred sites of South Korea reward thoughtful exploration.
☸️Bulguksa Temple
Korea's most celebrated Buddhist temple, a UNESCO masterpiece of Silla-dynasty architecture.
🏛️Jongmyo Shrine (Seoul)
A UNESCO-listed Confucian royal ancestral shrine, the oldest and most authentic of its kind in the world.
☸️Tongdosa Temple
Korea's 'Temple Without a Buddha,' which enshrines relics of the historical Buddha instead of statues.
☸️Seokguram Grotto
A UNESCO-listed artificial cave shrine housing one of the finest Buddha sculptures in East Asia.
☸️Haeinsa Temple
Home of the Tripitaka Koreana, the world's most complete collection of Buddhist scriptures on over 80,000 woodblocks.
☸️Beopjusa Temple
A mountain temple on Songnisan, home to Korea's tallest Buddha statue and the unique Palsangjeon pagoda.
☸️Jogyesa Temple (Seoul)
The chief temple of the Jogye Order, Korea's largest Buddhist denomination, in the heart of Seoul.
☸️Bongeunsa Temple (Seoul)
A 1,200-year-old Buddhist temple in the heart of modern Seoul's Gangnam district.
