Bongeunsa Temple

Founded in 794, Bongeunsa is a serene Buddhist refuge that sits, improbably, across the road from the COEX towers. Wooden halls, lantern-strung courtyards and a 23-metre stone Maitreya Buddha look out over Gangnam's glass and steel. Join a temple-stay or the Thursday English temple-life program, or simply wander the incense-scented grounds for free.