Seoul
Jogyesa: a temple in the middle of Jongno
Add a temple courtyard to a central Seoul day, with a short walk from Jonggak Station.
조계사(서울) · 서울특별시 종로구 우정국로 55 (견지동)
A stop within the city
Jogyesa is the head temple of the Jogye Order in central Jongno. Its urban position makes it a practical first temple for travellers staying in Seoul: you can arrive by subway without planning a mountain journey.
Spend time in the courtyard
The main hall, pagoda and bell pavilion give you several things to notice within a compact area. The courtyard changes with seasonal displays, but lanterns or flowers in reference photographs should not be treated as today’s programme.
Continue at walking pace
Pair the visit with a separate walk around Insadong rather than trying to turn the temple into a full-day attraction. Pause at the edge of an active prayer space, and keep doorways clear even when the courtyard is busy.
Photographs
Getting there
Take Seoul Subway Line 1 to Jonggak Station, Exit 2. The Seoul tourism guide places the temple about 413 metres from that exit.
Walk north along Ujeongguk-ro towards 55 Ujeongguk-ro. Use the Korean name 조계사 in the map link to distinguish the temple from nearby shops and offices.
Search on the map
Before you go
- TourAPI describes the grounds as open year-round. Hall access and event arrangements may differ; check posted notices.
- Keep voices low around worshippers. Follow signs for hall entry and photography; a day visit does not include a reserved Templestay programme.
- Photographs show the location at different times and do not represent today’s foliage, flowers or festival decorations.
Sources
Information checked:
- Seoul Tourism Organization · 2026-10-31
- Korea Tourism Organization · TourAPI (content ID 128144) · 2026-10-31
Image credits & terms
Jogyesa main hall and courtyard
Francisco Anzola · CC BY 2.0 · Source ↗ · Original image ↗ · 2007-08-29 00:59
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Wikimedia Commons thumbnail; no further edits or cropping.
Lantern festival at Jogyesa in a historical photograph
Ken Eckert · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source ↗ · Original image ↗ · 2018-05-12 18:31:05
Wikimedia Commons thumbnail; no further edits or cropping.