A Peaceful Retreat in the Heart of Seoul: Jogyesa Temple's Lotus Flower Exhibition
55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
조계사
Visiting Jogyesa (조계사) on a Sunday morning in mid-August feels like a peaceful retreat right in the heart of downtown Seoul. As the main temple of the Jogye Order, it remains an open sanctuary for everyone, regardless of faith, offering a space to purify the mind and escape the city's frantic pace.
This year's visit was particularly refreshing as the Iljumun Gate has been fully restored to its original glory, now standing in an open and welcoming plaza. Even more special is the 11th Annual Lotus Flower Exhibition, which transforms the temple grounds into a vibrant water garden filled with not only lotuses but also hydrangeas, Canna lilies, and delicate water daffodils.
The Rich History of the Jogye Order's Head Temple
While Jogyesa is often associated with the early Joseon Dynasty (founded in 1395 as Gakhwangsa), its current identity was established much later. During the Japanese colonial period in 1910, the temple was founded to restore national self-esteem. It was moved to its present Jongno location between 1937 and 1938, initially named Taegosa.
In 1954, following the Buddhist Purification Movement, it was officially renamed Jogyesa. The main hall, Daeungjeon, stands as a symbol of this modern revival. While many think of it as a thousand-year-old mountain temple, its history as a central urban landmark makes it uniquely accessible and friendly to modern visitors.
Exploring the 11th Lotus Flower Exhibition
The annual Lotus Flower Exhibition is a highlight of summer in Seoul. This year, the temple has expanded its display to include a variety of aquatic plants. Tall and lanky water Canna lilies add height to the garden, while charming water daffodils and white water hibiscuses greet visitors with bright, floral "smiles" from their large water basins.
Rare Blooms: Yellow Double Lotuses and Red Petals
Most of the lotuses currently on display are large, striking red varieties. While the early summer's white lotuses have mostly faded, the red lotuses remain in bloom well into August and early September. A rare find this year is the yellow double lotus, a variety seldom seen in natural ponds but showcased here for lucky visitors to enjoy.
A Modern Temple Open to the World
Temples are evolving; Jogyesa has moved away from a solemn, intimidating atmosphere toward one that is open and friendly. On Sunday mornings, the temple is filled with the energy of worshippers attending services and foreign families taking commemorative photos. It serves as a beautiful cultural bridge in the middle of a modern metropolis.
Rest and Recharge in the Heart of Jongno
Whether you are a local worker or a global traveler, Jogyesa offers a meaningful place to pause. With the lotus festival running through August, there is still plenty of time to catch the flowers in full glory. Walking through the newly opened Iljumun Gate plaza, one feels a true sense of mental purification before returning to the city's streets.
Have you had the chance to experience the serene beauty of lotuses in the middle of a busy city, or do you prefer the quiet of a deep mountain hermitage? If you're exploring the Jongno area, I also recommend taking a short walk to the nearby Insadong for some traditional tea. Would you like me to find the schedule for the next temple food experience program at Jogyesa?
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