Templestay in Korea

Temple Stay is a cultural experience program designed to enhance the public’s understanding of Korean Buddhism. Therefore, it is open to everyone regardless of religious belief.

A typical temple stay program entails an overnight stay at a Buddhist temple, and participation in such Buddhist rituals as yebul (ceremonial service), chamseon (Zen meditation), and barugongyang (monastic meal). Other activities may include dado (tea ceremony) with monks, outdoor meditation, lotus lantern and prayer bead crafts, painting, folk games, hiking, etc.

Etiquette

Temples are a site of historic preservation as well as personal meditation. So, it is very important to keep quiet and gentle.

In general, visitors to temples must refrain from:
• Speaking loudly, shouting, running, singing, or playing music;
• Physical contact between men and women;
• Eating and drinking in undesignated areas or while walking;
• Chewing gum;
• Drinking alcohol;
• Eating meat or fish;
• Smoking;
• Stealing; and
• Taking photos inside Buddha Hall or other buildings without permission.

Templestay is a unique cultural program which lets you experience the life of Buddhist practitioners at traditional temples which preserve the 1700 year old history of Korean Buddhism.

A bowl of food and a droplet of water, learning compassion from a tiny blade of grass. Instead of the racket of the city, we can finally become our True Selves through the noble silence flowing within this place.

You can realize the Buddhist method of eating ecologically, called BaruGongyang (monastic formal meal), which allows one to live in harmony with nature. Through the practice of Dado (tea ceremony) you can find true stillness and tranquility in a cup of tea. While walking along a peaceful forest path, you can listen to your inner voice, and through the practice of 108 prostrations you can learn the technique of putting down your inner desires and attachments.