You hear nothing but the sound of crickets and birds chirping as you gaze at the sun starting to peek through far off in the distance, along with the tranquil sound of water trickling down the stream nearby.
Sounds like a dream? Well, this is a sight you may be able to witness when you experience a temple stay in Korea.
1. What is a Temple Stay?
A temple stay is a unique cultural program that allows participants to experience the life of Buddhist practitioners at traditional temples. You can search for your true self and become one with nature, clearing your mind through meditation, prayer, and various activities. Korean Buddhism is a way of mind that helps rejuvenate the soul and body.
Programs are currently offered at more than 50 different Buddhist temples in various parts of Korea. Each temple has its own program and activities based on its location and particular spiritual focuses. You will follow a structured schedule as you learn the prayers, eat vegan food, and attend the morning and evening ceremonies. Religious or not, everyone is welcome to stay for as short as a day to as long as a whole week.
2. What to Expect
You’ll start the day off nice and early with morning chants to awaken the body and mind, followed by guided meditation sessions throughout the day. Meals are communal and silent, emphasizing gratitude and respect for nature’s gifts. Between these moments, you’ll take part in tea ceremonies, sutra copying, or crafts like making lotus lanterns, each fostering calm reflection. This structured yet nurturing daily flow sets the perfect stage for fully immersing yourself in temple life and the varied activities ahead.
3. Main Activities
1) Yebul: Ceremonial Service
‘Yebul’ is the main event that regulates the day, attended by everyone in the temple compound, with people paying their respects to the Buddha enshrined in the Dharma hall three times a day. The teachings are repeated before dawn, at 10:00 in the morning, and in the evening.
The Heart Sutra and Buddhist chant are read aloud, 108 prostrations to the Buddha are executed, and the Dharma drum, Buddhist bell, wooden fish drum, and cloud-shaped gong are struck in order. The prostrations symbolize a fresh start, ridding you of greed, anger, and ignorance as you learn the precise etiquette and actions for bowing.
2) Chamseon: Zen Meditation
Zen is known as ‘seon’ in Korean. Chamseon is a form of meditation that allows people to reflect on themselves. There are two forms of meditation that you can choose from, which are ‘jwaseon (seated meditation)’ and ‘haengseon (walking meditation).’ Monks will instruct you on the proper posture.
3) Barugongyang: Monastic Meal
Barugongyang is a unique and meaningful temple dining ritual that emphasizes mindfulness and gratitude. Meals are eaten in complete silence, with careful attention to not wasting a single grain of rice or drop of water. You only take what you can finish, and slurping or clinking utensils is avoided to maintain respect and calmness. The food is strictly vegetarian, prepared mainly with seasonal vegetables, and excludes stimulating ingredients like onions and garlic to keep the mind clear for meditation.
Barugongyang teaches appreciation for food and the interconnectedness of all beings, encouraging mindful portions that satisfy hunger without waste. This practice nourishes both body and soul with thoughtful care and reverence.
4) Dado: Tea Ceremony
Dado, the Korean tea ceremony, is an ancient ritual that goes beyond simply drinking tea. It is a mindful practice centered on spiritual awakening and purification. Rooted in Buddhist tradition, the ceremony involves carefully boiling and serving tea, where each step, from preparing the tea to washing the cups, is part of a meditative discipline. This ceremony embodies tranquility, harmony, and a profound appreciation for nature and the present moment.
4. Dress Code & Manners
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For a temple stay, the key is to dress modestly, preferably in comfortable, conservative clothing that covers your shoulders and knees to show respect for the sacred space. Always remove your shoes before entering temple buildings and wear socks inside. You should also maintain a calm and quiet demeanor by speaking softly and avoiding loud noises or disruptive behavior. Following these guidelines helps ensure a respectful and harmonious experience for both yourself and others.
5. What to Bring
Pack comfortable clothes suitable for meditation and light movement, along with essentials such as socks, toiletries, and a water bottle. It is best to avoid luxury items or anything with strong scents out of respect for the temple environment. Optional items include a journal for reflection, a small towel, and a meditation cushion to enhance your comfort during sitting practices. Most temples provide basic amenities, but having these personal items can help you fully embrace the simplicity and mindfulness of the experience.
6. Best Temples Offering Temple Stay Programs in English
As temple stay programs have become increasingly popular among foreigners, more and more places are conducting their programs in English so people can understand the meaning and beliefs behind the practices.
1) Jogyesa Temple
| Address: 55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
The head temple of the Jogye order in Korean Buddhism is Jogyesa Temple, located in the heart of the city in Insadong. The temple grounds are surrounded by urban buildings, a great escape from the big city for both locals and foreign tourists and convenient to visit. It is specially packed with visitors during the Lotus Lantern Festival when the entire courtyard is embellished with paper lanterns.
2) Bongeunsa Temple
| Address: 531 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
This 1,200-year-old temple in Samseong-dong, Gangnam, was the head temple for Seon Buddhism during the harsh oppression of Buddhism by the Confucian-favoring Joseon Dynasty. You may think that most temples are located in the secluded countryside, but Bongeunsa has mass appeal as it is set against the backdrop of the modern skyline with Gangnam’s towering skyscrapers and flashing lights.
3) Golgulsa Temple
| Address: 101-5 Girim-ro, Munmu-daewang-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (Kakao Maps)
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Nestled in the scenic hills of Gyeongju, Golgulsa Temple is renowned as the birthplace of Sunmudo, a Buddhist martial art that unites meditation with graceful physical movement. Surrounded by limestone caves and traditional architecture, the temple offers a serene atmosphere that blends history, culture, and spirituality. Its unique combination of meditation and martial arts makes Golgulsa an unforgettable temple stay experience.
▷Unleash your inner calm at Golgulsa Temple!◁
4) International Seon (Zen) Center
| Address: 167 Mokdong-dong-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
The International Seon (Zen) Center in Mokdong, Seoul, is a modern Buddhist temple and meditation training facility. Established in 2010, the center occupies a spacious multi-story complex that promotes the spiritual and cultural values of Korean Buddhism worldwide. It offers programs such as Seon meditation classes, temple stay experiences, cultural lectures, and tea ceremonies, all with Korean-English interpretation for international visitors. Located near Yangcheon Park and the Anyangcheon River, its peaceful urban setting provides an ideal environment for meditation and learning.
▷Find peace in the heart of Seoul with a modern Zen temple stay experience!◁
7. Temple Stay Etiquette & Tips
Temples are a site of historic preservation as well as a personal meditation. Therefore, it is very important to keep quiet and adhere to the rules and regulations.
Etiquette
1) Refrain from speaking loudly, shouting, running, singing, or playing music.
2) Physical contact between men and women is strictly forbidden.
3) Eating and drinking in undesignated areas or while walking are prohibited.
4) No chewing gum, drinking alcohol, or eating meat or fish
5) No Smoking
Tips
- Use the correct side doors to walk into each building. Never enter through the middle, as this is for the monks only.
- Whenever you meet someone, greet them with a half-bow. You must also bow towards the Buddha when entering and leaving the temple.
- ‘Chasu’ is the posture used when walking within a temple or in front of a monk, portraying a humble mind and silence. Fold your right hand over your left hand at the center of your belly to achieve this posture.
- For Yaebul, enter the main hall through the side door and do three full bows facing the Buddha before sitting on your mind.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can foreigners join temple stays?
Yes, most temple stay programs in Korea welcome foreign participants. Many popular temples, such as Jogyesa and Bongeuns,a offer English-friendly programs designed specifically for international visitors.
Q. Is English support available?
Yes, English interpretation or English-language instructions are available at major temples, especially in Seoul, Gyeongju, and Busan. However, smaller temples in rural areas may provide limited English support.
Q. How long is a typical program?
Most temple stay programs last 1 night and 2 days, but some temples offer half-day or single-day experiences for those on a tight schedule. Extended multi-day retreats are also available for deeper practice.
Q. Are meals vegetarian?
Yes, temple meals are strictly vegetarian. They are prepared using simple, locally sourced ingredients without garlic, onions, or artificial seasonings. This follows traditional Buddhist dietary principles.
Q. Can children or families participate?
Yes, several temples offer family-friendly programs that include light meditation, craft activities, and temple tours. However, some retreats focus on silence and mindfulness, which may not be suitable for young children. Always check the program details before booking.
So how about it? Find peace in a peaceful environment away from your clamoring and fast-paced lifestyle, even if it’s just for a day or two. The temple-stay programs will give you the chance to experience and witness something completely different from what you’re used to – and you’re going to love it.
Check out the list of temple-stay experiences we offer here, and don’t forget to bookmark Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop, to find the best deals and fun things to do in South Korea!
Photo Credits
“Beopjusa Temple Stay South Korea” By MeganYoungmee
“Tenryuki Kyoto two people relaxing” By Jesper Rautell Balle
“Temple Stay” By raYmon
“Temple Stay at Hwagyesa – Meditating” By sellyourseoul
“Pyeongtaek Cultural Tour – Sudosa Temple Stay – U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys, South Korea – 21 April 2012″By USAG- Humphreys
“Tea ceremony” By Jordi Sanchez Teruel
“Bongeunsa” By jcs203
“Gil-sang Sa (길상사) Buddhist Temple, Seoul, South Korea” By Jirka Matousek
“Geumsansa” By Steve46814
“Hwa Gye Sa” By Martin Roell
“Myogaksa Temple” By Sandra K.
“Myogak Temple3” By culturalcorpsofkoreanbuddhism
“Jogyesa Main Hall” By Steve46814
“Meditation” By Moyan Brenn
It looks so peaceful and mind-clearing, hope I get to do that soon…
It would be a wonderful experience for you! 🙂