Buddhist temple in Korea, Cathedral in Europe

“Nowadays, there’s a lack of young religious people in European cathedral. They say what the youth perceive in cathedrals is similar to what Koreans perceive in Buddhist temples.”

The Republic of Korea guarantees freedom of religion in its constitution, allowing people to believe in any religion of their choice. As evidence, a mosque has been present in the Itaewon district since 1976. Recently, a popular Netflix series explored Korea’s pseudo-religions, generating significant overseas attention.

English-speaking tour guides often share a wealth of information, and the topic shifted to must-visit places for tourists. While discussing this, the comparison between cathedrals and Buddhist temples arose, bringing a moment of awareness. However, sharing information about Buddhism in Korea adds depth to the cultural experience for tourists, offering a unique taste. Jogye Buddhist Temple is frequently listed by tourists, showcasing the growing interest in Korean Buddhism. Some tourists even independently explore temple food, temple stays, and meditation experiences. With certain temples designated as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites in 2017, the historical monastic lifestyle has garnered increased attention from tourists.

As the author of the book “Buddha’s World in South Korea,” I’m excited to share tips for traveling to significant Buddhist temples. I’ve selected about 20 different temples all over the country, and I’ll be uploading a post about each one once a week. Stay tuned for valuable insights and recommendations!

*The book “Buddha’s World in South Korea” is available in both e-book and paperback formats on Amazon. Links on blow:

https://a.co/d/eKqf25uhttps://a.co/d/eKqf25u

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