Bongwonsa Temple 2026: Offering Wish & Zodiac Animal Candles

Ever wondered how to make an offering at Bongwonsa Temple? Do you know where to purchase candles or where to write down your heartfelt wishes?

The temple provides clear instructions on the types of candles available, their prices, and the step-by-step process for making an offering, making it easy for first-time visitors to participate. Based on my recent visit in August 2026, I'll walk you through everything, from the prices of Bongwonsa's wish candles and 12 Zodiac animal candles to the complete offering ritual.

Types and Prices of Offerings

Offerings aren't limited to just candles; you can also choose items like rice or red beans. All items are available at a self-service counter. You'll find long white stick candles, wish candles in transparent cylindrical cases, and the unique 12 Zodiac animal candles.

※ Based on information available during my August 2026 visit.

I chose a 12 Zodiac candle, which you can select based on the zodiac sign of the person you wish to pray for. (This can be for yourself, parents, children, other family members, or friends). There's a handy chart near the counter showing zodiac signs by birth year, so you can easily find the right one.

Up close, you can appreciate the intricate details of the animal faces and body patterns. Encased in clear cylinders, these candles come in various colors and shapes, making each one a small work of art worth examining.

How to Offer a Wish Candle

① Choose and Pay for Your Candle

Select your desired candle from the self-service counter. You can pay with cash or via bank transfer. If you don't have cash, you can use the designated offering box or transfer funds to the temple's dedicated account.

② Write Your Name and Wish

For the Wish Candles and 12 Zodiac Candles, you'll write your name, date of birth, and wish directly on the cylindrical case. For the Stick Candles, remember to write your wish on a sticker, not directly on the candle itself!

If you're unsure what to write, you can refer to the suggested prayers on the table. You'll find phrases like family harmony, good health and longevity, academic success, business prosperity, and wish fulfillment. Simply write down what you truly desire.

③ Light the Candle

Once your wish is written, move to the designated candle holder area, light the wick, and place the entire candle (in its case) into the holder.

④ Bow and Make Your Wish

After placing your candle, bring your hands together in a traditional bow (합장 - hapjang) and silently make your wish. The entire process, from choosing and writing your wish to lighting the candle, is clearly explained with photos on the temple's guideboards, making it very easy to follow.

Important Notes Before Offering

Please be careful not to touch other people's offering candles. To prevent wax from overflowing, the temple staff tidies up the candles daily at 3:00 PM.

When lighting incense, remember to light only one stick per person. Please keep this in mind if you plan to offer incense.

Bongwonsa at Night

During my visit, the summer lotus flower festival and Baekjung prayer ceremony created a romantic and beautiful night view of Bongwonsa. In the fall, the temple hosts the Gaesandaeje Traditional Culture Festival, commemorating Bongwonsa's founding. This year, the festival is scheduled from October 11-19, 2026, with traditional cultural experiences like Dasik (tea cookie) making and Jihwa (paper flower) crafting available from October 11-13. If you're planning to visit in October, I highly recommend checking out the festival schedule!