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In a bustling city like Seoul and Busan, the lifestyle is not only fast-paced and modernised, but it is also convenient and a great place to visit. This is probably the top reason for tourism to flourish. From food and fashion to activities and lifestyle, there are many reasons why millions of tourists are coming to Korea each year. However, if you are looking for somewhere with more tranquility and relaxation of the mind, here we recommend the top 4 popular temple stay in Korea where you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
What is a temple stay in Korea?
It is a unique opportunity for anyone to experience the lifestyle and practices of Buddhist monks in traditional Korean temples. It is usually a 2D1N itinerary and costs about 100,000 to 120,000 KRW per person with accommodation and meals included. Good to note that most of them strictly only accept advance reservations, hence you can book it online here (the website is accessible in English). Additionally, there are other traditional activities that you can participate in as well. Without further ado, let’s unravel the top 4 temple stay in Korea!
The top 4 temple stay in Korea you should try
1. Bongeunsa (봉은사) Temple, Seoul
Bongeunsa Temple offers a regular 2D1N temple stay program where you can experience cultural activities like learning Temple Etiquette, participating in the Tea Ceremony (Da-Seon, 다선), Copying Sutras in Golden ink (Sagyeong, 사경), and Meditation Buddhist Ceremony (Yebul, 예불).
Upon arrival, you will be given one set of Temple stay uniform (jacket and long pants) to change into before the commencement of the program. Please bring along personal toiletries, clothes, and essential items that you will need during the whole duration.
Bongeunsa’s temple stay in Korea is only open to international visitors over 14 years of age and it costs 120,000 KRW per person. Bear in mind that except in cases where the accompanying person is a family member, you cannot share the same room if your companion is of the opposite gender. For reservation and the detailed program schedule, visit here.
Address: 531, Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 강남구 봉은사로 531)
Closest subway station: Take Line 9 to Bongeunsa Station, exit 1 (봉은사역 9호선 1번출구)
2. Donghwasa (동화사) Temple, Daegu
Donghwasa Temple offers a recuperation temple stay in Korea where participants can expect to rest and allow relaxation of their minds and bodies. Although similar to the temple stay in Bongeunsa where you can enjoy several cultural activities, this recuperation temple stay emphasises more on spending free time resting and hiking after the orientation and temple tour. However, do take note of the meal times as they do stick closely to the schedule.
The 2D1N temple stay will cost 70,000 KRW for one adult and only toiletries like shampoo, hair treatment, body wash, soap and toothpaste are provided so please prepare other personal essentials if you need them.
Most importantly for a temple stay in Korea, please refrain from wearing revealing clothes and contributing to loud noises after 9 pm, and always wear your socks in the hall. More information can be found here.
Address: 1, Donghwasa-1-gil, Dong-gu, Daegu (대구광역시 동구 동화사1길 1)
Directions from Seoul or Busan:
- Take a KTX train going to Dongdaegu (동대구).
- Walk to the bus stop outside of Dongdaegu KTX station (the opposite of Dept.).
- Take bus Express No.1 (급행1번) to Mt. Palgong (팔공산).
- Get off the bus at the Donghwa Bridge 2 (동화교 2) or the Entrance of Donghwasa (동화사 입구)
- Walk up the hill for 20~30 minutes towards the Temple Stay Quarters.
3. Bulguksa (불국사) Temple, Gyeongju
Bulguksa Temple offers a ‘Journey into Mind’ 2D1N temple stay in Korea that costs 100,000 KRW per adult. An opportunity to journey into one’s own mind, to find peace and calm while relaxing the mind and body.
There is something different about the cultural activities here at Bulguksa. They call it the ‘108 Prostrations with Making 108 prayer beads‘, which is a form of meditation by physically lowering the body to take refuge in the omnipresent Three Jewels, the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. It is said that it will bring peace to the mind and happiness in beings.
Another unique activity is the ‘Circling around Pagodas‘ is a Buddhist ritual to pass by the pagoda three times in a clockwise direction while holding up hands in a praying posture to pray for well wishes and pay homage to the Buddha. The temple stay at Bulguksa also provides a walking meditation & visit to Seokguram Grotto Temple which is the world’s only artificial cave temple and also a UNESCO World Heritage site!
Interested in Bulguksa’s ‘Journey into Mind’ 2D1N temple stay in Korea? Click here for all the information you need to know.
Address: 385, Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 경주시 불국로 385)
Directions from Seoul or Busan:
- Take a KTX train going to Singyeongju (신경주)
- Walk to the bus stop outside of Singyeongju KTX station.
- Take bus 700 to Bulguksa (불국사).
- Walk for 10~15 minutes towards the Temple stay house located outside Bulguksa Temple.
4. Beomeosa (범어사)Temple, Busan
Beomeosa Temple offers an Experiential 2D1N temple stay in Korea that costs 100,000 KRW per adult. This program is only available on weekends. Experience the monastic routine by participating in various activities like Buddhist Services, Meditation, and Dharma Talk with Buddhist monks over traditional tea.
There is a Temple Tour & Forest trail walk as well as a visit to the Beomeosa Museum after the end of the program (for interested individuals).
For this particular temple stay in Korea, one thing to take note of is the room allocation, 2~3 persons will use one room together while 4~8 persons shall use one big room. In this case, the male and female rooms are separated. Also, Beomeosa only provides temple stay uniforms so please bring along all the daily essentials you need. Additional information can be found here.
Address of temple: 250, Beomeosa-ro, Geumjeong-gu, Busan (부산광역시 금정구 범어사로 250 금정산 범어사)
Address of temple stay quarters: 20, Sangma 1-gil, Geumjung-gu, Busan (부산시 금정구 상마1길 20)
Directions in Busan:
- Take the subway Line 1 and get off Nopo station (노포역).
- Take exit 2 and go to the bus stop for Bus 90.
- Hop on Bus 90, pass Beomeosa temple and get off at Sangma village (상마마을) or Beomeosa Museum (범어사 박물관).
- Walk about 5 minutes to Seon-Munhwagwan (선문화관) (where the temple stay quarters are).
Whether you’re interested in meditation, cultural exchange, or simply wish to recharge yourself from the hectic daily life, a short temple stay in Korea can be a rewarding and enlightening experience for you! Follow the Go! Go! Hanguk blog for more content and if you wish to find out more about studying and living in Korea, be sure to contact us!
