Gilsangsa Temple (Seoul) (길상사(서울))

Explanation

Gilsangsa Temple is a prominent temple located in Seongbuk-dong, Seoul. The name Gilsangsa means "a favorable and auspicious temple." Visitors can experience temple, participate in Buddhist practices, and even enjoy Templestay programs on weekends. In fall, visitors can admire red spider lilies and wildflowers, immersing themselves in the beauty of nature and finding inner peace.

Inquiry

+82-2-3672-5945

Homepage

kilsangsa.info (Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese)

Information Use

Contact and Information : +82-2-3672-5945

Day off : N/A (Open all year round)

Hours : 09:00-18:00

More information

Restrooms
Available

Location

68 Seonjam-ro 5-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

Directions

Songhyeon Green Plaza (열린송현 녹지광장)

2025-06-17

Songhyeon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Songhyeon Green Plaza, located between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Jongno, is a space for culture and rest. The site was formerly used as housing for Shiksan Bank during Japanese rule. After Korea’s liberation, it served as a residence for the US Embassy and military personnel. Later in 1997, it was returned to the Korean government but remained unused for years. In 2022, the ownership was transferred to the Korean House and Land Corporation and then to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, which redeveloped it into a green plaza and opened it to the public. Upon entering the plaza, visitors are greeted by a spacious lawn adorned with flowers during the blooming season. The plaza is connected to the nearby tourist attractions through shortcuts cutting through it, including Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House), Gwanghwamun Plaza, Insa-dong, and Bukchon Hanok Village.

Sangsang Platform (상상플랫폼)

2025-06-05

33 Wolmi-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon

When the Incheon port opened in 1883, the Wolmi-ro area became the gateway to Korea, welcoming vistiors from overseas countries via sea route. Before transforming into the cultural and art complex of today, Sangsang Platform located by the Incheon Open Port used to be Asia's largest granary. Sangsnag Platform is remodeld to preserve the old granary structure while adding a contemporary touch that matches modern-day aesthetics. As the building once connected Incheon to the world, it now serves connect Incheon's past and the future as a multipurpose cultural tourism complex.

Bullidan Street (불리단길)

2025-05-28

11 Bulguksintaekji 5-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Bullidan Street, near Bulguksa Temple, once a popular destination for school and group trips, is gaining renewed attention with the opening up of various cafés, restaurants, and workshop spaces in the area. In spring, the street blooms with King Cherry Blossoms, attracting many visitors. On Saturdays, a flea market opens, offering handmade goods and souvenirs. It is the perfect place to stop by and unwind after visiting Bulguksa Temple or hiking.

MCY PARK

2025-05-27

196 Cheonbungnam-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Themed around three primary colors Red, Blue, and Yellow, MCY Park features vibrant art installations. It showcases imported school buses from the US transformed into a museum, a dessert museum with ice cream, donuts, and cake pop-up art, a stable transformed into a photo zone, and various other interesting themed zones, offering visitors a fun experience.

Puksuwon Spaplex (북수원온천)

2025-05-21

2139 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Puksuwon Spaplex offers a relaxing escape for visitors with its spacious spa area and natural hot spring water. The facility uses alkaline water with a pH of 9.25. This mineral-rich spring water contains calcium, potassium, sulfuric acid, and iron, which are beneficial for relieving muscle pain, neuralgia, and skin conditions. The spa features various facilities, including hinoki baths, hot and cold springs, dry and ice saunas, a forest bathing room, a family lounge, and a restaurant, providing the perfect environment for visitors to unwind and relax.

Gwanggyo Freiburg Observatory (광교 프라이부르크전망대)

2025-05-21

127 Gwanggyohosu-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do

The Freiburg Observatory in Gwanggyo Lake Park is inspired by the observatory in Freiburg, an eco-city in Germany, and represents Suwon’s commitment to becoming an eco-conscious city. The observatory offers a stunning view of the lakes nearby.

Sejong Village Food Street (세종마을 음식문화거리)

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Chebu-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Previously known as Geumcheongyo Market, it was officially named Sejong Village Food Street in 2011, as King Sejong was born in this village. The street is full of lively energy and features both long-standing restaurants, also known as nopo in Korean, and recently established trendy eateries. Its convenient location and inviting atmosphere make it a popular place to visit.

Gyeongjuhyanggyo Local Confucian School (경주향교)

2025-06-12

27-20 Gyochonan-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Gyeongjuhyanggyo Local Confucian School is located near Gyochon Hanok Village in Gyeongju. The surrounding areas, Gyochon, Gyori, and Gyodong, derive their names because of this school. Although the exact date of its original construction is unknown, Gyeongju Hyanggyo was renovated during the reign of King Seongjong of the Joseon Dynasty, modeled after Seoul’s Seonggyungwan National Academy. The buildings follow the typical Confucian layout of “hall in the front, shrine in the back.” While seowon were private academies, hyanggyo were public institutions. Although it no longer serves the educational purpose, every spring and autumn it hosts traditional Confucian rituals. It also offers cultural programs such as tea ceremonies, rice-cake pounding, and archery. From April to October it hosts traditional Korean-style demonstration weddings, where visitors can participate in the ceremonies for free.

Padosori Trail (파도소리길)

2025-05-28

405-7 Eupcheon-ri, Yangnam-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

The Padosori (Sound of the Waves) Trail stretches for 1.7 kilometers along the shoreline of Eupcheon-ri in Gyeongju, offering stunning views of the Gyeongju Yangnam Columnar Joint. The coastal road is well-maintained and features a decked pathway, benches, viewing platforms, and a suspension bridge. The Columnar Joint has diverse shapes; in particular, the fan-shaped columnar joint is a rare sight not only in Korea but also worldwide, and thus has been designated as a Natural Monument in 2012.

Bonggil Daewangam Beach (봉길대왕암해변)

2025-05-28

Bonggilhaean-gil, Yangbuk-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Bonggil Daewangam Beach, located 32 kilometers east of downtown Gyeongju is a white sand beach with an average water temperature of 22℃. It is less crowded compared to other beaches on the East Coast, making it a perfect destination for a leisurely getaway. In summer, beach bungalows, tube rental shops, snack shops, and other convenience facilities are available. From the beach, visitors can also see the Tomb of King Munmu, which lies 200 meters offshore.