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Tucked quietly within Seoul’s bustling heart, Naeui Temple is a sanctuary where time slows down—ancient eaves curve against the sky, and a thousand-year-old ginkgo guards the peace. Step through the gate, hear the gentle chime of a bell, and feel your spirit settle. This isn’t just a temple; it’s a haven for stillness, a rare refuge for souls seeking calm in the urban rush.
Everything you need to know about Naewonsa Temple
Stay at Lotus Hotel in Myeongdong, Seoul, just a 15-minute drive from Geumjeong Temple, offering excellent accessibility. The hotel blends modern luxury with traditional Korean design, featuring premium bedding and soundproof windows for a peaceful retreat. Guests can enjoy authentic Korean tea ceremonies in the hotel’s Zen-inspired courtyard lounge, embracing mindfulness and culture. Located near Bukchon Hanok Village, it’s an ideal base to explore historic architecture and serene temples like Geumjeong Temple.
Consider staying at Cheongsongak Hanok Guesthouse in Bukchon Hanok Village, a meticulously restored century-old Korean house with original wooden beams and stone courtyards, exuding a deep sense of serenity and tradition. The rooms feature hanok-style tatami mats, handwoven blankets, and natural aromatherapy for a tranquil stay. Just a 10-minute walk from Geumjeong Temple, guests can also join daily tea ceremony workshops and calligraphy classes, offering immersive cultural experiences while enjoying the rhythm of Seoul’s historic neighborhoods.
Take Seoul Subway Line 2 to "Hongik University Station," then transfer to a local bus or walk about 15 minutes to Geumjeong Temple. Use a T-money card or mobile payment apps like KakaoPay for seamless transit access. For convenience and comfort, consider shared e-scooters (Dooly, Lime) available nearby, ideal for short trips without traffic delays. Many hotels and guesthouses offer private shuttle services, making it easy to travel between Geumjeong Temple and major Seoul attractions.
Beyond temple worship and viewing ancient trees, join the daily morning bell ceremony at 6:30 AM at the Great Buddha Hall, where chanting and resonant bells create a profound spiritual atmosphere. During spring, participate in the annual Camellia Festival, showcasing traditional Korean flower arrangement and Zen aesthetics—guests can craft their own dried camellia displays as keepsakes. The temple also offers weekly meditation sessions every Saturday afternoon, led by experienced instructors in a dedicated quiet space, providing a perfect opportunity to cultivate inner peace and mindfulness.
Shilla Seoul Hotel is ideal for visitors seeking both comfort and cultural immersion near Nyeonje Temple. Located just 15 minutes away, it features traditional Korean garden-view rooms and offers immersive experiences like tea ceremony workshops and Hanbok rental services. The hotel’s design blends modern luxury with Korean architectural heritage, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for contemplation. Guests can easily reach Nyeonje Temple via Subway Line 2 to Dongdaemun Station, then transfer to a local bus. Additionally, the on-site boutique sells exclusive handwoven silk scarves from Nyeonje Temple, making a meaningful souvenir of your spiritual journey.
The most convenient route is taking Seoul Subway Line 2 to Dongdaemun Station, then transferring to Bus No. 8003 which stops directly at Nyeonje Temple's main gate. The journey takes about 25 minutes with frequent departures. For those driving, use GPS to navigate to "Nyeonje Temple" via City North Road; the temple offers a dedicated parking lot with ample space. On weekends and holidays, the Seoul Metropolitan Government operates free shuttle buses from Dongdaemun Square, stopping at major attractions including Nyeonje Temple. Check the official Seoul Transportation Portal in advance for updated schedules and service alerts.
Absolutely! The stone stairway behind Nyeonje Temple and the 1,000-year-old ginkgo tree are must-visit photo locations. During autumn, golden leaves blanket the path, creating a stunning contrast against the temple’s red tiles and white walls. The Zen Pond, reflecting sky and pagodas, is perfect for low-angle shots. For panoramic views, head to the Gwanseong Peak Observation Deck on the temple’s western side, offering sweeping vistas of the temple complex and Han River valley—especially breathtaking at sunset. Some areas have limited-time photography zones; pre-HopeGoo and respecting temple rules are recommended to preserve the sacred atmosphere.
Nyeonje Temple is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM), closed every Monday (except public holidays). Admission fees are 6,000 KRW for adults, 3,000 KRW for students, and free for children. Holders of the Seoul Pass or Korean Heritage Pass receive discounted rates. It’s advisable to purchase tickets online or at the box office in advance to avoid queues during peak times. Visitors must remain quiet, refrain from touching Buddha statues or artifacts, and respect restricted photography zones within the temple grounds to preserve its sacred tranquility.
Try the temple vegetarian meal set at Nyeonje Temple’s Zen Dining Hall, featuring seasonal organic ingredients like steamed pumpkin, tofu soup, mountain vegetable salad, and brown rice—embodied by the Zen principle of "tastelessness as true taste." Another local favorite is Old Street Bean Sprout Noodles, served with rich sauce, crisp bean sprouts, and handmade noodles—unique and satisfying. For souvenirs, consider Nyeonje Temple incense candles and handmade Zen notebooks crafted with natural plant dyes, symbolizing peace and mindfulness. All items are available at the temple’s cultural shop, supporting heritage preservation and sustainable practices.
See what other travelers say about Naewonsa Temple
Staying at this traditional Korean house was an absolute delight! The breakfast was simple yet homely—warm, comforting, and just right to start the day. The room was spotlessly clean, with authentic Korean architectural details that truly captured the essence of old Korea—wooden beams, hanok-style layouts, and a peaceful ambiance. The host was incredibly welcoming and always ready to help, offering thoughtful tips on local transport and nearby attractions. It felt less like a hotel and more like staying in a cherished family home. For anyone looking to experience real Korean culture in Seoul, this is a must-try. Highly recommend for its charm, comfort, and heartfelt hospitality.
I stayed at Mangrove Sinseol Hotel for a few days and was really impressed. The location is perfect—right next to the subway station, just a 15-minute ride to Seongsu and about 30 minutes to Hongdae. The airport bus 6002 stops right outside, making travel super convenient. There are plenty of nearby convenience stores like 7-Eleven, CU, OY, Mega, and Mammoth—no long lines even during peak hours. The building has a secure entry with a password lock, and the elevator requires your room keycard, which adds peace of mind. The shared kitchen is clean and well-maintained, and the rooftop terrace offers a great view—perfect for relaxing in the evening. Check-in and check-out are fully self-service, and the machine supports Simplified Chinese, which is a big plus for introverted travelers. The bathroom is on the smaller side, and housekeeping comes every six days, but that’s not an issue if you’re staying just a few days. Overall, it’s a quiet, safe, and well-designed place with excellent value. Highly recommend for solo travelers.
This place is definitely a hostel, not a hotel—despite being listed as a hotel on the platform. The building signage and Korean apps clearly mark it as a hostel, so it’s misleading to present it as a hotel. That said, if you go in with the right expectations, it’s actually a solid hostel. The location is unbeatable: literally seconds from a vibrant food alley, just a few minutes from great shopping, within 10 minutes of palaces and temples, and a 15–20-minute walk to Gwangjang Market and the Han River trail. We stayed in the basement room, which was the only one large enough for our family of four with two kids. While it was modernized and had a private bathroom, it had a strong musty sewage smell that lingered despite airing out and running a dehumidifier nonstop. They’d placed several oil-based air fresheners in the hallway and room—something I couldn’t tolerate due to allergies, so I removed them, but that only made the unpleasant odor worse. The dehumidifier helped circulate air, but since it required regular drainage, we weren’t sure how effective it really was. All control buttons were in Korean, and even with translation apps, the functions didn’t make much sense. The AC worked well, and the beds were comfortable. Storage consisted of pull-out drawers under the bed—cleaning them revealed thick layers of dust. There was a couch and TV, which added comfort. The bathroom is a wet-style design with floor heating, so everything dried instantly—even though the heat was extreme. When we complained about dampness, they turned on the floor heating while we were out, likely to dry things up—but with temperatures exceeding 40°C, it wasn’t safe or practical to stay inside. The window was frosted glass facing a narrow alley, so privacy was an issue. Trash was collected at the bottom of the stairs near the landing, which wasn’t ideal. On the plus side, free laundry was available nearby—perfect for monitoring progress—and the shared kitchen across the hall was handy for morning tea. Staff were incredibly helpful, and communication through the booking app was smooth. In short, if you’re clear this is a hostel (not a hotel), and you don’t mind the basement, minor quirks, and scent sensitivity, it’s a good choice. But if you’re expecting a hotel experience—especially in the basement—this isn’t recommended. As a hotel? 2/5. As a hostel? 4/5.
The hotel exceeded my expectations—spotlessly clean, cozy, and warmly welcoming from the moment I walked in. The room was immaculate, with a serene atmosphere that made me feel instantly at home. Located just minutes from subway access, it’s super convenient for exploring Seoul’s highlights. The staff were attentive and friendly, adding to the overall excellent experience. Every detail felt thoughtfully curated. I’d absolutely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city.
Stayed here with my friend in a private two-bed room, and it was absolutely fantastic! The air conditioning worked perfectly, the room was spotless, and the beds were super comfortable. I was pleasantly surprised to find a mini fridge included—such a nice touch for storing drinks or snacks. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, always ready to assist with anything we needed. But honestly, the top reason to stay here is the location. Right next to a metro station, you're just steps away from amazing local eateries, bustling streets, and everything the city has to offer. It’s such a convenient and vibrant area. If you’re looking for a cozy, well-maintained hostel with great service and unbeatable access, this is the place. Would definitely come back and recommend it to anyone visiting Seoul.
Stayed in a double room with a door latch—felt secure and cozy, no signs of any wheels or noisy vibes at all. The host was incredibly kind and welcoming, making the whole experience feel warm and personal. The atmosphere was peaceful and authentic, just what I was looking for. Highly recommend this hidden gem for anyone seeking comfort and charm in Seoul.
Staying right in the heart of Bukchon Hanok Village made everything so convenient—walking distance to bustling shopping streets, scenic views of traditional hanok alleys, and just a short stroll from famous Ginseng Kitchen and Gyeongbokgung Palace. The host was incredibly welcoming, always ready to help with local tips and recommendations. The place itself is spotless, with modern amenities and thoughtfully stocked toiletries in the bathroom. It felt like a true home away from home. Every detail was well considered, from the quiet neighborhood vibe to the cozy atmosphere. If you're looking for an authentic Seoul experience with comfort and charm, this is the perfect choice. Highly recommend it!
The inn was exceptionally clean and comfortable—truly a great stay! The staff were very helpful and friendly during check-in, making the whole process smooth and welcoming. The location is perfect—right in the heart of Jongno, just steps away from subway stations and major attractions. It’s so convenient for exploring Seoul. I’d absolutely come back again and highly recommend this place to anyone visiting. A real gem with excellent value!
I had a fantastic stay at Hanil Hostel! The location was incredibly convenient—just a short walk to subway stations and major attractions. The staff were friendly and always willing to help with tips and recommendations. My room was clean, well-maintained, and surprisingly comfortable for a hostel setting. It’s clear they care about guest experience, and I truly appreciated the warm atmosphere and attention to detail. Highly recommend this place if you're looking for a budget-friendly yet enjoyable stay in Seoul.
The first room had a strong smell of smoke, which was quite unpleasant, so I asked to be moved. The staff were very kind and promptly arranged a new room without any hassle. However, the second room wasn’t much better—the bathroom felt a bit dark and slightly unsettling, and the overall facilities were just average. That said, the price is definitely affordable, making it a solid choice if you're on a budget. It’s perfect for students or travelers looking for a no-frills stay with good value. While not luxurious, it gets the job done, especially considering the cost.
I ended up booking this hotel by chance, mainly because of its great location. Turns out it was an excellent choice! Situated right in the heart of Insadong, just a short walk from Seoul's top attractions. The hotel is only 200 meters from the airport shuttle stop and literally steps away from the subway station—super convenient for getting around. The room was spotless and quiet, making it a peaceful retreat after a long day. The staff were incredibly welcoming and spoke fluent English with no trouble at all. For my next visit to Seoul, I’ll definitely choose this hotel again!
Staying at Bukchonae was a delightful experience overall. The location is fantastic—right in the heart of Seoul’s traditional neighborhood, making it super convenient for exploring nearby cultural spots. The room is compact but well-organized and spotlessly clean, which really stands out. The bathroom has a slightly cramped shower area, so it’s not ideal for long stays or if you’re sensitive to tight spaces. However, the cleanliness and maintenance are excellent—everything feels fresh and well cared for. The owners are genuinely warm and welcoming, offering helpful tips on local eats and hidden gems around the area. It’s perfect for a short getaway or a night or two while soaking in the charm of old Seoul. While I wouldn’t recommend it for extended stays due to the size, for a quick visit, it’s a great value with a cozy, authentic vibe.
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