Spend a Night in a Temple Stay in South Korea
Sleep in a temple, live to the rhythm of Korean Buddhist monks, experience Buddhist rituals, learn meditation, participate in prayers and ceremonies… This is what the Temple Stay cultural program in South Korea offers.
Sleep in a temple, live to the rhythm of Korean Buddhist monks, experience Buddhist rituals, learn meditation, participate in prayers and ceremonies… This is what the Temple Stay cultural program in South Korea offers. An opportunity to live an experience outside of time that will leave a lasting impression…
What is Temple Stay?
Temple Stay is a program in South Korea that allows tourists to experience life as Buddhist monks for a few hours. Created in 2002 by the Jogye Order in honor of the World Cup held in the country that same year, the program was originally experimental. Since then, it has enjoyed tremendous success and was recognized years later as an excellent cultural resource. Since then, the Temple Stay program in South Korea continues to attract visitors from all over the world.
In practice, how does it work? The experience invites visitors to become an integral part of Buddhist temple life. They exchange their regular clothes for a uniform, participate in prayers, prostrations and meditation alongside the monks, eat exclusively vegetarian meals and sleep within the temple. One of the temple's monks serves as a spiritual guide with whom you can share privileged moments. Not only does the monk introduce you to Buddhist rituals, but he is also there to answer all your questions! During free time (day and night), visitors can walk around the temple grounds and enjoy the beauty of the place in complete silence…
In other words, you become a Buddhist monk for a day or two. But beyond the Buddhist experience, the Temple Stay program is above all an opportunity to disconnect from daily life by taking time for deep reflection to refocus on what truly matters...
Each Temple Stay has its own program
Given its success, the Temple Stay program has expanded to many regions of South Korea. Each temple has its own rituals, but all offer the same basic activities: learning Buddhist culture, temple tours, hiking and meditation, ceremonies and prayers, the ritual of 108 bows, sharing tea with a monk…
Beyond the basic program, each temple may offer activities unique to itself. In some temples, for example, you can learn to make lanterns shaped like lotus flowers, forage for ferns on Jeju Island, or even craft the ritual mala necklace (composed of 108 beads for prostrations). In any case, each temple has its own peculiarities and surrounding landscapes. Some are located in the city while others are in the heart of nature.
We particularly love Haeinsa Temple, one of the most famous in South Korea. Not only is it nestled high in the mountains, but it also houses the Tripitaka Koreana, a collection of 80,000 wooden tablets from the 13th century representing the most complete collection of Buddhist canon texts in the world!
If you're interested in this adventure, here is a list of temples that offer the Temple Stay program in South Korea:
- Myogaksa Temple in Seoul
- Geumseonsa Temple in Seoul
- Bongeunsa Temple in Seoul
- International Seon Center in Seoul
- Beomeosa Temple in Busan
- Yakcheonsa Temple in Jeju
- Golgulsa Temple in Gyeongsangbuk
- Haeinsa Temple in Gyeongsangnam
- Jikjisa Temple in Gyeongsangbuk
- Jeondeungsa Temple in Incheon
- Yonhjusa Temple in Gyeonggi
- Woljeongsa Temple in Gangwon
- Donghwasa Temple in Daegu
- Geumsansa Temple in Jeollabuk-do
- Seonunsa Temple in Jeollabuk-do
- Mihwangsa Temple in Jeollanam
For more information, visit http://www.templestay.com
Frequently asked questions
The price of a Temple Stay experience in South Korea varies depending on the temple and duration chosen. Generally, expect between 50,000 and 100,000 won (€35 to €70) for a full night including vegetarian meals, uniform and all activities. Some programs lasting just a few hours are available at lower rates. Find exact prices on the official templestay.com website.
No, the Temple Stay program is open to everyone, regardless of your religion or beliefs. It is first and foremost a cultural and spiritual experience accessible to the curious, travelers seeking serenity, and those who wish to discover Korean Buddhist culture from within.
Temple Stay is available year-round. Spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November) are the most pleasant periods, with magnificent natural landscapes surrounding the temples. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter offers a particularly memorable zen and snowy atmosphere in mountain temples.
The choice depends on your preferences: to stay close to Seoul, Bongeunsa, Myogaksa or Geumseonsa temples are ideal. If you wish to immerse yourself in nature, Haeinsa Temple (in the mountains of Gyeongsangnam) is a must-visit, housing the famous Tripitaka Koreana. Woljeongsa Temple in Gangwon offers an exceptional forest setting.
Yes, many temples offer English-language programs, particularly in Seoul and major cities. The official templestay.com website allows you to filter temples by available language of instruction. It is advisable to check this before booking if you don't speak Korean.
