🛕 Real Korea Series Top 10 - Ep.8: Temple Stay in Korea: Meditate, Eat & Sleep Like a Monk

Discover Inner Peace, Korean Traditions, and Mindful Living in Sacred Mountain Temples

A Peaceful Buddhist Retreat Experience You’ll Never Forget

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Seeking calm beyond sightseeing?
A temple stay in Korea is your path to mindfulness, cultural immersion, and peaceful simplicity. Sleep in centuries-old temples, join sunrise meditation, eat temple food in silence, and learn from monks — all while surrounded by mountains and serenity.

Temple Stay in Korea

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📜 What Is a Temple Stay?

Temple Stay is a cultural program that allows visitors to experience the daily life of Buddhist monks inside Korea’s traditional temples.
Originally launched during the 2002 FIFA World Cup to promote Korean heritage, it has grown into one of Korea’s most meaningful travel experiences for locals and foreigners alike.

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🌿 Benefits of Temple Stay

Benefit	Description
Stress Relief	Calming rituals, forest walks, and meditation restore your mental peace.
Digital Detox	Disconnect from devices and reconnect with yourself.
Healthy Eating	Temple cuisine (vegetarian, low-sodium) supports digestion and clarity.
Cultural Immersion	Practice 108 bows, Zen meditation, tea ceremonies, and more.
Mindfulness Training	Learn to slow down, breathe deeply, and focus on the present moment.

Temple stay meal (Balwoo Gongyang) setup

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🏯 Top Temples Offering Temple Stay in Korea

Temple	Region	Website	Address	Approx. Fee (per night)
Haeinsa	Hapcheon, Gyeongnam	haeinsa.or.kr	122 Haeinsa-gil, Gaya-myeon, Hapcheon	₩50,000–₩80,000
Songgwangsa	Suncheon, Jeonnam	songgwangsa.org	100 Songgwangsa-gil, Songgwang-myeon, Suncheon	₩60,000–₩90,000
Geumsansa	Gimje, Jeonbuk	geumsansa.org	39 Geumsan-ri, Geumsan-myeon, Gimje	₩60,000–₩100,000
Bongseonsa	Namyangju, Gyeonggi	bongsunsa.net	91 Sareung-ro, Jinjeon-eup, Namyangju	₩50,000–₩80,000
Beomeosa	Busan	beomeo.kr	250 Beomeosa-ro, Geumjeong-gu, Busan	₩50,000–₩80,000
International Seon Center	Seoul	seoncenter.or.kr	10 Nambusunhwan-ro 198-gil, Guro-gu, Seoul	₩50,000–₩70,000

📌 Most reservations can be made via the official site: www.templestay.com

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🧘 What’s Included in a Temple Stay?

• Sunrise Chanting (Yebul)

• 108 Prostrations (Bows)

• Zen Meditation (Seon)

• Balwoo Gongyang (silent temple meal)

• Tea Ceremony with Monks

• Mindful Walking or Forest Meditation

Temple architecture and lanterns at night

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💡 Tips Before You Go

• Book Early: Popular temples get fully booked weeks in advance.

• Dress Modestly: Long pants and sleeves are recommended. Most temples provide uniforms.

• Check Language Support: Some temples offer English, Japanese, or Chinese programs.

• Kids Policy: Most temple stays are suitable for ages 12+, due to quiet and meditative nature.

Sunrise chanting inside a main hall

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✅ Perfect For…

• Travelers seeking calm and meaning, not just sightseeing

• Anyone curious about Buddhism or Korean traditional culture

• Professionals needing digital detox and clarity

• Couples or solo travelers looking for introspection and slow travel

⏭️ What’s After Temple Life?

Ep.9 – Top KTX Day Trips from Seoul: Gyeongju, Jeonju & More
Ride Korea’s bullet train to cities filled with ancient temples, hanok villages, and delicious local eats — all just a few hours from Seoul.

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