Gilsanga Temple
Gilsangsa Temple opened in 1995 and is a relatively new temple. The Buddhist temple is located in northern Seoul and is on the southern side of Mt. Samgaksan. During the 60’s and 70’s the building that is now the temple was a Yejeong. Yejoeng is a high class Korean style restaurant where politicians and military generals went to be entertained by Kisaeng (Korean Geisha) and do back-door politics. The name of the Yejeong was Daewongak and was owned by the late Kim Yeong-Han. She was a devote Buddhist and donated her land and restaurant in 1987 to Monk Pubjeong. Monk Pubjeong was a zen master who decided to turn the restaurant into a place of worship. The temple was completed and opened in 1995. Monk Pub Jeong passed away at the temple on March 11th, 2010 from lung cancer at age 78.
Although the temple only has a short history, it has done a lot to help local community and to help and to raise funds for the disabled, hungry children, poor children around the world, along with North Korean refugees. Programs are available which Koreans and foreigners can join. Programs include Buddhist education, meditation classes or short temple stays.
The official website of Gilsangsa has a lot of detailed information in English about their history and classes. Gilsangsa Temple Website.
Opening Hours
Usually open early morning ’til late evening but depends on events running at the temple.
How to get to Gilsangsa Temple:
Take line 4 to Hansung University Station and leave exit 6. There is a shuttle bus that goes directly to Gilsangsa Temple. The Shuttle bus stop is in front of Dongwon Mart, 50m from the subway exit. Bus departure time from Hansung station: 08:30, 09:20, 09:40, 10:00, 12:00, 13:00, 15:00, 16:30.
Alternatively, take bus 1111 or 2112 → Get off at the 3rd stop, Hongik middle/high school → Turn right at Seongamtang sauna→ walk for about 10 minutes following the signs for Gilsangsa Temple.
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