Temple Stay in Korea: Experience Korean Tradition Beyond the Cities
Although South Korea has evolved enormously in recent years, with technology becoming part of almost every aspect of everyday life, the country has not forgotten its traditions and the places where time seems to move a little slower.
If you are on vacation, feeling tired, or simply need a break from the rush of everyday life, a Temple Stay might be the perfect experience for you. Away from the fast pace of the cities, you can experience life at a Buddhist temple, take part in traditional activities, and take some time to slow down and reconnect with yourself.
From Ancient Temples to Modern Travelers
Long before the official Temple Stay program was created, Korean mountain temples served as places of refuge, study, and spiritual practice. During the Joseon Dynasty, scholars, students, artists, and Buddhist pilgrims would stay at temples for study, prayer, rituals, and meditation.
The official Temple Stay program was initiated by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism in 2002, when South Korea and Japan co-hosted the FIFA World Cup. It was created as an opportunity for cultural exchange, allowing both Korean and international visitors to experience temple life.
The program continued to grow. In 2004, the Jogye Order established the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism to help develop and promote Temple Stay. With government support, the number of participating temples increased from 31 in its first year to 110 by 2015.
Today, Temple Stay has become a popular cultural experience, allowing visitors to discover Korean Buddhist traditions and experience temple life firsthand.
What Happens During a Temple Stay?
A Temple Stay offers a variety of meaningful activities. For first-time visitors, the experience often begins with a guided tour of the temple, introducing its history, traditions, architecture, and the daily life of Buddhist monks.
One of the main activities is Seon meditation (chamseon). Participants learn meditation techniques, the correct posture, and ways to calm and focus the mind. Sessions can last around 50 minutes, depending on the temple and its program, and may be followed by slow walking meditation.
Visitors can also take part in Buddhist ceremonies (yebul), an important part of daily temple life. These ceremonies allow participants to experience Buddhist traditions and show respect towards Buddha.
Another special activity is tea conversation (chadam) with Buddhist monks. Visitors can ask questions about monastic life, Buddhism, and the temple while learning from the monks' perspective.
Food is also an important part of the experience. Baru gongyang, the traditional monastic meal, encourages participants to appreciate their food and reflect on the effort behind it. Meals are served using a set of bowls called baru and are accompanied by Buddhist teachings and practices of gratitude.
Depending on the temple, visitors may also participate in cultural activities such as making lotus flowers from colored paper. Another practice is the 108 prostrations, a sequence of bows traditionally associated with the 108 worldly desires in Buddhist teachings and used as a practice of reflection and humility.
Why Try a Temple Stay?
What makes a Temple Stay different from a regular temple visit is the opportunity to actively experience temple life. Visitors, including international travelers, can participate in traditional activities rather than simply exploring the temple as tourists.
A Temple Stay also offers a unique way to discover Korean culture, from history and traditions to social customs. At the same time, the experience can help visitors step away from their usual routine and take time to relax and reflect. You do not have to be Buddhist to participate. Everyone is welcome, making Temple Stay an accessible experience for people from different backgrounds.
After the experience, visitors may leave with new perspectives, habits, and lessons that they can carry into their everyday lives.
A Popular Temple Stay Location: Bongeunsa Temple
One of the most popular places to experience Temple Stay is Bongeunsa Temple in Seoul. Located in Gangnam, the temple has a history of more than 1,200 years and offers visitors opportunities to experience Korean Buddhist culture while staying in the city.
Bongeunsa can be a particularly interesting choice for travelers who want to combine traditional Korean culture with a visit to modern Seoul. Temple Stay programs and prices vary depending on the type of program and temple. At Bongeunsa, for example, a regular Temple Stay program can cost around 120,000 KRW per person, although prices may change.
Before You Go: What to Know
Before joining a Temple Stay, there are a few things worth knowing. Since temples are religious spaces, visitors should wear comfortable and respectful clothing and be mindful of their surroundings. Phone use and noise may also be limited in certain areas or during specific activities.
Programs can vary from one temple to another, so it is important to check what activities, schedules, facilities, and prices are included before booking. Some temples are located in mountainous areas, and morning programs can start very early.
Reservations can be made through the official Korean Temple Stay website, where you can search for temples, explore different programs, check available dates, and make a reservation.
What Can You Experience During a Temple Stay?
Depending on the temple and program, visitors can typically experience:
Guided temple tours
Seon meditation (chamseon)
Buddhist ceremonies (yebul)
Tea conversations (chadam)
Traditional monastic meals (baru gongyang)
Lotus flower making
108 prostrations
Learning about Korean Buddhist traditions and temple life
A Temple Stay is more than simply visiting a temple. It offers travelers the chance to slow down, experience Korean traditions firsthand, and discover a quieter side of Korea beyond its modern cities.
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