Welcoming the New Year at Bongeunsa Temple
서울특별시 강남구 봉은사로 531
봉은사
To welcome the New Year of 2026, I visited Bongeunsa Temple(봉은사), a thousand-year-old Buddhist temple standing quietly in the heart of Seoul. Despite being surrounded by the city, the temple offered a calm and reflective atmosphere perfect for beginning a new year.
From lighting prayer candles to strolling through the winter temple grounds, the visit became a moment to slow down, pray for family health, and find peace for the year ahead.
Welcoming 2026 at a Thousand-Year-Old City Temple
Hello, this is Muni :-)
To start the New Year of 2026, I visited Bongeunsa, a historic temple located near Bongeunsa Station.
With over a thousand years of history, Bongeunsa stands as a peaceful contrast to the busy city that surrounds it.
As the new year begins, I sincerely wish peace and happiness for every home.
Temple Stay Programs and Practical Visit Information
Bongeunsa also offers temple stay programs, which I hope to experience someday.
Even a short visit feels meaningful, especially during the quiet atmosphere of winter.
For visitors arriving by car, parking is available with the following fees.
Thirty minutes are free, sixty minutes cost 3,000 won, one hundred twenty minutes cost 4,500 won, and two hundred forty minutes cost 10,500 won.
Lighting a Candle and Making a New Year Wish
The candle offering ritual is simple and meaningful.
You choose a candle, write your wish on the cylinder, light it, and place it carefully in the holder before praying.
The unmanned payment machine accepts cash or bank transfer, and the fee is 5,000 won.
A Prayer for Family Health
My sibling and I each purchased a candle.
As I lit mine, I sincerely prayed for the health and well-being of my family.
Afterward, I visited Daeungjeon Hall to offer another prayer.
There is also a memorial lantern that remains lit twenty-four hours a day, adding to the solemn atmosphere.
Warm Breaks and Temple Souvenirs
Near the entrance of Bongeunsa, the café Yeo-yeo is a perfect place to warm up during the cold winter.
There is also a Buddhist goods shop inside the temple grounds.
The shop gained attention after appearing on the show I Live Alone with Ki-an 84, and it offers decorations, clothing, bracelets, and various temple-themed items.
I ended up choosing a few souvenirs for myself.
Why a Temple Visit Feels Right at the Start of the Year
Although I do not follow a specific religion, I often find myself visiting a temple at the beginning of a new year.
The quiet space brings peace of mind and allows time to pray for safety and calm in the months ahead.
Visiting a temple at least once during the New Year feels like a gentle reset.
Wishing everyone a peaceful and happy 2026.
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