{
  "id": 14977527,
  "title": "'Pray for wealth': Seoul Buddhist temple becomes Gen Z hot spot",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/pray-for-wealth-seoul-buddhist-temple-becomes-gen-z-hot-spot",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-16T15:17:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/20261017/pray-for-wealth-seoul-buddhist-temple-becomes-gen-z-hot-spot"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On October 6, the bustling atmosphere at Bongeun Temple in Seoul's affluent Gangnam District revealed the temple's unexpected popularity among young people, particularly those in their 20s and 30s. The majority of visitors were couples and groups of friends, who came to pray before Buddhist statues and capture commemorative photos amidst the serene autumn ambiance of the temple grounds.\n\nKim Yeo-reum, a 25-year-old visitor who brought a friend, explained that she had taken a half-day off work to visit the temple on a weekday, as she had heard that it had become so crowded on holidays that it was difficult to navigate. \"I even ran into an elementary school classmate here for the first time since graduation,\" she shared. \"We went to elementary school together in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province, which is quite far from Bongeun Temple, so I was surprised to discover that so many people were visiting this place.\"\n\nWith a history spanning over 1,000 years, Bongeun Temple has become a sought-after spot among younger generations. Its strategic location in the heart of the lively Gangnam district has long made it a prime destination, attracting visitors from across the city and beyond.",
  "summary": "When visited on Oct. 6, Bongeun Temple in southern Seoul's affluent Gangnam District was bustling with young people, just as rumors of its sudden rise as a hot spot among Gen Z suggested. Nearly half of the visitors appeared to be in their 20s or 30s. Mostly couples and groups of friends, they prayed before Buddhist statues and took commemorative photos, leisurely enjoying the tranquil autumn…",
  "key_points": [
    "Bongeun Temple in Seoul attracts Gen Z, especially 20s and 30s",
    "Couples and friend groups visit for prayers and photos",
    "Temple's 1,000-year history makes it popular among younger generations"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "'Pray for wealth': Seoul Buddhist temple becomes Gen Z hot spot",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/pray-for-wealth-seoul-buddhist-temple-becomes-gen-z-hot-spot-14981315",
        "published": "2026-10-16T15:37:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}