Korean Dictionary
How to say "Temple" in Korean
“Temple” in Korean is 절 (pronounced "Jeol").
절
Jeol
Usage & Context
Korea has thousands of Buddhist temples, many in scenic mountain settings. Jogyesa (조계사) in Seoul, Bulguksa (불국사) in Gyeongju, and Haeinsa (해인사) in South Gyeongsang are famous. The Templestay program lets visitors experience monk life for a night or two.
Example Sentence
한국 절은 산 속에 있는 경우가 많아요.
Korean temples are often located inside mountains.
How to use 절 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Temple” is 절, romanized as Jeol.
Usage tip
Pair this travel word with polite request endings like -요 so it works in hotels, stations, taxis, and shops.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 절.
Pronunciation Guide
절 (jeol) sounds like 'jull' in 'jolly' but with a slightly softer 'j' and the 'eo' vowel like 'uh' in 'butter' or 'cup'.
More Example Sentences
Explaining a common feature of temples.
한국의 절은 대부분 산 속에 있어요.
Most Korean temples are located in the mountains.
Sharing a unique travel experience.
템플스테이를 통해 절에서 하룻밤을 보냈어요.
I spent a night at a temple through a Templestay program.
Discussing famous landmarks.
불국사는 한국에서 가장 유명한 절 중 하나예요.
Bulguksa is one of the most famous temples in Korea.
Cultural Context
Buddhist temples are integral to Korea's spiritual and cultural landscape. Many are nestled in serene mountain settings, offering breathtaking views and a sense of peace. The Templestay program is a unique opportunity for both locals and foreigners to experience monastic life, including meditation, tea ceremonies, and temple food. Temples like Bulguksa and Haeinsa are UNESCO World Heritage sites, showcasing exquisite traditional architecture and ancient artifacts. They are not just places of worship but also repositories of history and art.
Editorial note
We review entries like 절 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
절에 가다
To go to a temple
절 구경하다
To look around a temple
템플스테이
Templestay (program)
Related Expressions
사찰
Sachal
Buddhist temple (more formal/literary term)
암자
Amja
Hermitage (smaller temple, often secluded)
교회
Gyohoe
Church (Christian place of worship)
성당
Seongdang
Catholic cathedral/church (Catholic place of worship)
More Travel Words
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