Chamseon at Geumseonsa (Temple in Seoul)  

(Seoul) When visiting Korea, travellers may participate in Templestay , a programme initiated by Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism, to experience living in a Buddhist temple where nature and human life coexist. 

English Language Programmes

At the temples Buddhist monks practice their asceticism, continuing the history and tradition of 1,700 years of Korean Buddhism. Public access to the temples had been restricted before Templestay was opened to international visitors in a bid to promote traditional cultural activities during the 2002 World Cup. Now, there are around 130 temples providing Templestay programmes, among which 26 temples offer it in English. 

As the seven 'Sansa', Korea's Buddhist mountain temples (Daeheungsa, Magoksa, Beopjusa, Bongjeongsa, Buseoksa, Seonamsa and Tongdosa) were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2018, Korean Buddhist culture is receiving much attention from around the world. Templestay is the only way to gain hands-on experience of the traditional cultures of the monks' practice of ascetics and the natural environment, as well as cultural assets that have long histories.  

Meditation Experiences

Walking Meditation at Sinhungsa (Temple in Sokcho)

Participants in Templestay may experience Yebul (Buddhist ceremony), Chamseon (Seon meditation) and 108 bae (108 prostrations). Visitors can learn how to make lotus lanterns and Buddhist prayer beads and enjoy salt mandala (salt drawing).  Participants are provided with an opportunity to think about the origin of all beings. 

Participants can enjoy Temple food – the healthy diet that doesn’t use any animal products or specific ingredients such as five pungent spices (garlic, scallions, chives, onions and leeks), and instead includes in season natural food ingredients. It has been globally recognized after it was featured on the Netflix documentary 'Chef's Table'. Temple food means another way of practicing one's asceticism and realizing the importance of all beings.

Discounted Prices

For foreigners looking for a chance to experience Templestay, there is a special event 'Templestay Weeks for Foreigners' from Nov. 5-30 in 2018. During the event, 39 temples across Korea offer Templestay programmes at a discounted price. (A one-day program costs 10,000won / An overnight stay program costs 20,000won)

Before the reservation, please check out the programs of each region and temple through Templestay Website eng.templestay.com

.