Temple Stay in Korea: A Complete Guide for Foreign Visitors

Korea's Temple Stay program (템플스테이) lets visitors sleep, eat, meditate, and live alongside Buddhist monks for one or two nights. It's one of the most unique cultural experiences in the country, offering a peaceful escape from urban life while immersing yourself in centuries-old traditions. Best of all, you don't need to be Buddhist to participate.

What is Temple Stay?

Temple Stay is an official program run by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, allowing visitors to experience monastic life at traditional temples across Korea. Since 2002, over 130 temples have opened their doors to participants, with 27 temples offering English-friendly programs specifically designed for international visitors.

During a temple stay, you'll follow the daily rhythm of monastic life: waking before dawn for morning chants, eating simple vegetarian meals in silence, practicing meditation, and participating in traditional Buddhist ceremonies. It's a digital detox and spiritual reset rolled into one.

Types of Temple Stay Programs

Experience-Oriented (체험형): The most popular option for first-timers. This 1-night, 2-day program includes Buddhist ceremonies, Seon (Zen) meditation, tea ceremony with monks, 108 prostrations, and temple tours. It's structured with guided activities throughout.

Rest-Oriented (휴식형): Perfect for those seeking quiet reflection. This program offers minimal scheduled activities, allowing you to meditate, walk the temple grounds, or simply rest. Meals and ceremonies are available but optional.

One-Day Program (당일형): A condensed experience for travelers with limited time. Typically runs 4-6 hours and includes a temple tour, meditation session, tea ceremony, and lunch. No overnight stay required.

Best Temples for Foreign Visitors

Seoul Area

Bongeunsa (봉은사): Located in Gangnam, this is Seoul's most accessible temple for foreigners. Just 100m from Bongeunsa Station (Line 9), it offers both experience and rest-oriented programs. The temple is famous for its giant Maitreya Buddha statue.

Hwagyesa (화계사): Known as Korea's most international temple, Hwagyesa was home to the famous Zen master Seung Sahn, who brought Korean Buddhism to the West. The temple has an International Seon Center and regularly hosts foreign practitioners.

Myogaksa (묘각사): Popular with international visitors for its program called "Where is your mind?" The temple specializes in introducing foreigners to Korean Buddhist practice.

Jinkwansa (진관사): A thousand-year-old nunnery known for its temple food. Located in Eunpyeong-gu, this temple offers day programs focused on temple cooking classes.

Busan

Beomeosa (범어사): One of Korea's most important temples, located on Geumjeongsan Mountain. The Seon Culture Education Center offers temple stay programs with modern facilities including private bathrooms. Contact: beomeosa@templestay.com

Daegu

Donghwasa (동화사): Located on Palgongsan Mountain, this temple dates back to 493 AD. The name means "Paulownia Blossom Temple." Easily accessible by express bus from Dongdaegu Station.

How to Book

All Temple Stay programs must be booked through the official website eng.templestay.com (English version). No other platform is authorized to make reservations.

Step 1: Visit eng.templestay.com → Step 2: Search by temple, region, or date → Step 3: Select your program and check availability → Step 4: Create an account and complete the booking → Step 5: Pay online (credit card accepted)

Costs

Temple Stay is remarkably affordable, including accommodation, all meals, and activities: One-Day Program: ₩30,000-50,000 (~$22-37 USD) | Overnight Stay (1 night): ₩50,000-100,000 (~$37-74 USD) | Extended Stay (2+ nights): ₩70,000-100,000 per night

Daily Schedule

Day 1: 2:00 PM - Check-in and orientation → 4:00 PM - Temple tour → 5:30 PM - Evening meal (eaten in silence) → 7:00 PM - Evening ceremony with chanting → 8:00 PM - Meditation or 108 prostrations → 9:00 PM - Lights out

Day 2: 4:00 AM - Wake-up bell → 4:30 AM - Morning ceremony → 6:00 AM - Seon meditation → 7:00 AM - Breakfast → 9:00 AM - Tea ceremony with monks → 10:30 AM - Departure

Temple Etiquette

Entering Halls: Use the side entrances (left or right). The center door is reserved for monks. Remove shoes and hats before entering.

Greeting Monks: When passing a monk, stop and perform hapjang (합장) - place palms together at chest level and bow slightly. Never touch a monk as this requires a cleansing ritual.

Photography: Outdoor areas are generally fine, but no photos inside halls or during ceremonies. Always ask permission before photographing monks.

What to Bring

Essentials: Toiletries, personal water bottle, any medications | Clothing: Loose clothes for sleeping, extra t-shirt, warm layers (temples can be cold at night), comfortable walking shoes, socks

What NOT to bring: Alcohol, cigarettes, meat products, revealing clothing (sleeveless tops, shorts), flip-flops

Temple Food

Temple cuisine (사찰음식) is strictly vegetarian and follows Buddhist dietary principles. Meals are prepared without meat, fish, eggs, garlic, green onions, or artificial seasonings. Despite these restrictions, temple food is surprisingly flavorful and deeply satisfying.

Meals are eaten in silence as a meditative practice. You'll learn Barugongyang (발우공양), the formal monastic eating ritual where food is served in nested bowls. The practice emphasizes mindfulness, gratitude, and leaving no waste.

Getting There by Car

Bongeunsa (Seoul): Free parking available. Navigate to "봉은사" in Naver Maps. Located in Gangnam, easily accessible via Olympic-daero.

Beomeosa (Busan): Large parking lot at the Seon Culture Education Center. Navigate to "범어사 선문화수련원". About 40 minutes from Busan city center.

Donghwasa (Daegu): Paid parking available (₩2,000-3,000). Navigate to "동화사" in Naver Maps. About 30 minutes from Dongdaegu Station.