Have you ever wanted to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and find some inner peace? A temple stays in South Korea may be just what you need. Temple stays, or “temple tourism,” have become increasingly popular in South Korea in recent years. These stays allow visitors to experience the traditional Buddhist culture of South Korea and participate in the daily routines of temple life.
During a temple stay, visitors can expect to wake up early for morning prayers, participate in traditional chanting and meditation sessions, and enjoy vegetarian meals. Many temples stays also offer workshops and classes on topics such as yoga, calligraphy, and tea ceremonies. In addition to the spiritual benefits, temple stays offer a unique cultural experience and the opportunity to connect with nature. Many temples are located in beautiful, natural surroundings, offering breathtaking views and the chance to take part in outdoor activities such as hiking and forest bathing.
So why not take a break from the fast-paced world and try a temple stay in South Korea? You’ll return home feeling rejuvenated, renewed, and with a deeper appreciation for traditional Buddhist culture. Buddhism in Korea dates to the fourth century, so it’s no surprise that the religion has become a deeply rooted part of modern Korean culture. And with more than 900 traditional Buddhist temples, the country has no shortage of spiritual pilgrimage spots.
List of Temples To Stay In South Korea
1. Baekyangsa
Chef Jeong Kwan prepares simple yet beautiful temple food at Baekyangsa Temple in the village of Bukha-myeon, which gained notoriety thanks to an episode of the Netflix documentary series “Chef’s Table.” Visitors to Baekyangsa canpractise meditation, take part in tea ceremonies, and learn from Kwan about the spiritual significance of food. For instance, barugongyang, a formal monastic meal that means “offering,” is served in conjunction with daily chanting. Barugongyang, which consists of single servings of rice, soup, and side dishes, is likewise a practice of taking only what is required. One of the precepts that a Baekyangsa visitor will put into practice during a two-day temple stay is the notion of eschewing excess and embracing simplicity.
2. Golgulsa
The oldest cave temple in the nation and a carving from the sixth century are both located at Golgulsa Temple, which is located outside of Gyeongju, the ancient Silla Dynasty’s capital. The chance to learn sunmudo, a traditional Buddhist Korean martial art, is another major stay of staying at this temple. This practise is a contemplative combat style that resembles yoga and focuses on bringing body and mind together through breath control. Golgulsa’s temple stays range from intensive 10-day programmes to one-day crash programmes.
3. Guinsa
This temple, whose name translates “guard benevolence,” is a haven of natural beauty located in Sobaeksan National Park. Guinsa’s more than 30 spectacular structures are tucked away in a hilly area that blends the temple with the surrounding landscape of dense forest and high mountains. Customers who pick this remote temple stay option have the option of two-day or day tour programmes.
4. International Seon Center
The word “seon” is a translation for “zen,” a variety of Buddhism with Taoist influences. This meditation centre, a cutting-edge building in Seoul, is located by both locals and visitors looking to learn the art of meditation and unwind from the bustle of the area’s major city. Every Saturday night, free classes in English on meditation and Buddhist doctrine are offered, and the International Seon Center offers single-night programmes for temple stays all year long.
5. Jikjisa
Jikjisa, which was established 1,600 years ago during the reign of King Nulji of Silla, holds an extensive collection of Buddhist artwork in a nearby museum called the Jikji Museum of Buddhist Arts. Jikjisa stays a strong emphasis on spiritual and mental renewal, just like most temple visits do. The name “Jiji” approximately translates to “pointing directly to the mind.” The temple is located in Gimcheon and is reachable by the Seoul-Busan train line halfway between Seoul and Busan. Depending on the client’s specific interests, these temple stay programmes run from two to five days.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a temple stay in South Korea offers a unique opportunity to experience traditional Buddhist culture, find inner peace and tranquillity, and connect with nature. The daily routines of temple life, including morning prayers, meditation sessions, and vegetarian meals, allow visitors to slow down and appreciate the present moment. The beautiful, natural surroundings of many temples provide the perfect setting for outdoor activities such as hiking and forest bathing. By participating in a temple stay, visitors can return home feeling rejuvenated, renewed, and with a deeper appreciation for traditional Buddhist culture.