Perched atop Samgaksan Mountain, Samgaksan Geumseonsa Temple is a hidden gem just beyond Seoul’s edge. As dawn breaks, mist curls around ancient trees and red-brick halls, making the temple look like a scene from a dream. Walk the moss-covered path, listen to the wind in the pines, and feel your worries fade beneath the watchful gaze of serene Buddha statues. More than a pilgrimage site, it’s a sanctuary for the weary heart.

This hotel is the perfect blend of business and leisure! Luxury facilities include a conference center and business center, ideal for all kinds of events. The location is super convenient, just 5 minutes by car to Yonsei University and the Gyeongui Line Forest Park, and a few kilometers to Hongik University and Seoul City Hall. Continental breakfast, restaurants, and cafes will satisfy your taste buds, and the bar is perfect for unwinding. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with LED TVs and refrigerators, and the bathrooms are fully equipped. Plus, there's free parking and charging stations, so road trips are hassle-free. Whether for business or travel, this is your ideal choice!



This is the perfect choice for both families and business travelers! Located in Jongno-gu, Seoul, just a 10-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace and Gwanghwamun, the location couldn’t be better. The hotel offers a fitness center, seasonal outdoor pool, and even a kids’ club with childcare services, making it great for families. The spacious rooms come with fully equipped kitchens, perfect for whipping up a meal. Unwind at the bar or treat yourself to a spa massage after a long day. Whether for leisure or business, this place has everything you need!

Looking for a private pool and garden retreat in Seoul? This is the perfect pick! Enjoy free WiFi, AC, and a terrace, plus BBQ facilities and airport transfer services for ultimate convenience. Just a few kilometers from Changgyeonggung Palace and Gyeongbokgung Palace, you’ll have plenty to explore. With 6 bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and 3 bathrooms stocked with free toiletries, it’s ideal for families or groups. 24-hour luggage storage and ironing services add the finishing touches—highly recommended!

This is the perfect getaway! Located in the heart of Insadong, surrounded by traditional culture, shopping, and dining options. The hotel offers top-notch facilities like a business center and meeting rooms for corporate travelers, while family-friendly amenities and a fitness center cater to families and health enthusiasts. With laundry services and a dryer, extended stays are a breeze. Rated 4.7/5 and a 2024上榜酒店, don’t miss out on this gem!














Everything you need to know about Samgaksan Geumseonsa Temple
Stay at Shilla Seoul, just a 15-minute drive from Samgaksan Geumseonsa Temple, offering luxurious accommodations with serene views of the surrounding mountain landscape. The hotel provides complimentary shuttle services to major attractions and features guided cultural tours that include visits to the temple’s historic halls and meditation grounds. Guests can also enjoy traditional Korean tea ceremonies in the hotel’s hanok-inspired lounge, blending modern comfort with authentic spiritual ambiance.
Take the subway to Hongik University Station or Sogang University Station, then transfer to bus route 302 for a direct ride to Samgaksan Geumseonsa Temple, approximately 40 minutes. For convenience, book a private car service that offers scenic mountain views along the way. The temple has clear signage and ample parking for self-drive visitors. Several tour agencies also offer full-day packages including transportation and guided tours for an immersive experience.
The temple offers daily morning meditation sessions starting at 6:30 AM, led by experienced monks in a tranquil mountain meditation hall, ideal for mental clarity and inner peace. Visitors can also participate in a traditional Korean tea ceremony, learning the art of preparation and appreciation of handcrafted matcha and seasonal sweets. Guided forest walking tours along ancient trails reveal centuries-old trees and stone pathways, blending nature and spirituality. All experiences require advance HopeGoo and provide a deeply meaningful, reflective journey.
After staying near Samgaksan Geumseonsa Temple, visit N Seoul Tower for panoramic city views, or stroll through Namsan Park, enjoying scenic trails and seasonal flower displays. Nearby cultural spots include the Seoul Arts Center and Dongdaemun Design Plaza, perfect for design and arts enthusiasts. Many hotels offer bundled tickets for seamless access. At night, the park’s illuminated skyline creates a romantic atmosphere—ideal for a memorable evening walk.
Near the temple, enjoy vegetarian cuisine at dedicated restaurants featuring dishes like wild mushroom soup, tofu rolls, and pumpkin rice made with seasonal mountain ingredients. Try handmade tea pastries such as matcha mochi and red bean rice cakes, perfect with a cup of green tea. Some eateries offer Zen-style meal sets with silent dining, enhancing mindfulness during meals. These dishes reflect Buddhist principles of compassion and gratitude toward nature, combining taste with spiritual depth.
Yes, the temple is ideal for families, offering child-friendly nature exploration tours led by trained guides who share stories about forest ecology and Buddhist traditions. Safe, gentle walking paths and a dedicated family relaxation zone accommodate all ages. Special events during festivals include fun activities like origami crane crafting and blessing charm painting, fostering bonding and cultural learning. Parents can join meditation sessions while children engage in enriching, hands-on experiences.
Stay at Samgaksan Guesthouse, a serene retreat nestled in the mountains just a 5-minute walk from Geumseonsa Temple. This boutique ryokan features authentic Korean Hanok architecture, with ondol heated floors and handcrafted wooden interiors that blend tradition and comfort. Guests enjoy quiet meditation spaces, seasonal tea ceremonies, and guided temple tours. Located within easy reach of Seoul via Line 3 subway to Chungwu Station, then a 1-hour bus ride to Samgaksan Entrance, it’s ideal for travelers seeking both spiritual connection and peaceful mountain escape.
Arrive before 8 AM to enjoy misty morning views and avoid crowds. Begin with a visit to the main hall and the ancient ginkgo tree, then hike the stone path to the rear mountain lookout for panoramic views of the Han River Valley. Lunch at the temple’s vegetarian restaurant featuring handmade tofu soup and wild vegetable rice offers a pure, mindful dining experience. In the afternoon, join a scheduled daily meditation session (book in advance) or relax with a traditional tea ceremony at the hillside pavilion. The entire journey takes about 4 hours—perfect for cultural immersion. Use shared e-bikes or rent bicycles along the mountain trail for eco-friendly exploration.
Beyond daily prayers and sutra copying, Geumseonsa Temple hosts monthly Korean tea ceremony workshops led by senior monks, teaching the five tastes of tea and the core values of cleanliness, respect, harmony, and joy. Visitors also participate in handmade paper umbrella crafting, using mulberry bark sourced locally—each finished umbrella serves as a meaningful keepsake. Every Saturday features a night lantern procession, where pilgrims and tourists light thousands of paper lamps symbolizing inner illumination. These immersive activities deeply reflect Buddhist philosophy and nature-based spirituality. Reservations required at least two days in advance.
See what other travelers say about Samgaksan Geumseonsa Temple

Staying at Swiss Grand Hotel Seoul was a delightful surprise, especially for travelers who appreciate a touch of Western elegance in a vibrant city setting. While the hotel’s hillside location is definitely unique—coming straight from the airport shuttle made me and my mom gasp at the steep, long climb up the slope with our luggage (we stopped several times, it felt like a real workout!)—the effort is worth it once you’re inside. The peaceful, quiet atmosphere away from the downtown bustle is refreshing. Staff are all fluent in English, incredibly helpful, and genuinely warm—especially the front desk attendant who quickly arranged a taxi for us on departure. The rooms are spacious and well-designed, the service attentive, and overall the experience feels premium without being overly expensive. If you're willing to walk a bit uphill (or take a quick ride), this hotel offers a standout blend of comfort, convenience, and charm in Seoul.

The Somerset Palace Seoul completely exceeded our expectations. From the moment we arrived, the staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful. The location is unbeatable—just steps away from the subway, making it easy to explore Seoul’s top attractions. The rooftop pool is a real highlight—perfect for relaxing with panoramic views of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Our room was spacious, clean, and well-equipped, offering a comfortable and home-like atmosphere. It’s rare to find such a high-quality stay with such a great value. I’d highly recommend this property to any traveler visiting Seoul.

This was my sixth trip to Korea, and without a doubt, this is the most impressive hotel I've stayed at here. While it's a bit of a walk from the subway station, the bus stop is right outside the door—making access to the city incredibly convenient. The room was immaculate, with modern design and thoughtful touches that made it feel luxurious. The staff were warm and attentive, going above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay. From the quiet ambiance to the excellent amenities, every detail felt intentional. I’d absolutely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Seoul.

This was our first trip to Seoul, and we stayed at ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong with my son from July 30th to August 5th. We arrived late—after 2:30 a.m.—but check-in was quick and smooth thanks to the 24-hour front desk. Our room was on the 10th floor, compact but well-designed with two beds, a tea station, and all the essentials: soap, shower gel, shampoo, and fresh towels. The room was spotless, quiet, and cozy—the bedding felt brand new and super comfortable. The hotel itself is immaculate, peaceful, and very clean. Staff were friendly, helpful, and professional throughout our stay. What really stood out was the location—walking distance to major landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace, plus tons of restaurants, food courts, and shops nearby. Even though we spent most of our days out exploring, coming back to this hotel felt like a relaxing retreat. It’s perfectly priced for the quality, and I’d definitely recommend it. If you're visiting Seoul, don’t hesitate—this is a great choice.

This was my first stay at Mayplace Hotel, and I was genuinely impressed. The room was clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed—perfect for a relaxing getaway. The staff were welcoming and helpful, making the whole experience smooth and pleasant. While the nearest subway station is a bit of a walk away, it’s not a major issue considering how quiet and convenient the neighborhood is. Public transport access to major attractions is still good, and there are plenty of nearby dining and shopping options. Overall, the value for money is excellent, and I’d definitely come back. I’ve already recommended it to friends and family—this place truly stands out.

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.

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!

Staying at Bulgwang Xian in Seoul was one of the most pleasant experiences I’ve had during my trip. The location is excellent—super convenient for getting around, with easy access to subway lines and major attractions nearby. The hotel itself is quiet and peaceful, making it a perfect retreat after a day of exploring. The room was spotless, well-maintained, and equipped with all the essentials, including complimentary toiletries—no need to worry about forgetting anything. Check-in and check-out were quick and hassle-free, and the staff were friendly and helpful throughout. It’s rare to find such a great balance between comfort, cleanliness, and value. Highly recommend this hotel if you’re visiting Seoul—I’ll definitely be coming back.

The triple room we stayed in had four beds, and the space was actually larger than I expected—definitely more roomy than most hostels I've been to. The front desk staff speaks a bit of Chinese and can manage basic English conversations, and they were very responsive and helpful. We only received one key card initially, which made splitting up a bit inconvenient, but after mentioning it, they quickly provided two extra ones—really thoughtful! The nearby 7-Eleven is super convenient; just exit subway line 7, walk straight across the street, and you're there. It's a short walk if you're not carrying heavy luggage. Waste sorting isn't strictly enforced, but there’s a large trash bin right at the bottom of the stairs on the first floor, so you can easily bring your trash down without hassle. Overall, this place offers great value, excellent location, and a comfortable stay—definitely a top pick for travelers visiting Seoul.

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.

Staying at this hotel was an absolute delight! The place is immaculately clean, especially the bathrooms and plumbing—everything felt fresh and well-maintained. Its location is fantastic; it's just a short walk from major attractions, making sightseeing super convenient. I loved how close it was to local favorites like London Bagel—perfect for a quick bite without needing to travel far. The neighborhood vibe is lively yet peaceful, and everything you need is within walking distance. It’s rare to find such a clean, well-located, and comfortable stay at this price point. Highly recommend this gem for anyone visiting Seoul!
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