Discover Inner Peace with Korean Temple Stay

What is Temple Stay

Temple Stay is a spiritual retreat program held in traditional Korean temples. It allows participants to experience life with monks, engaging in practices such as meditation, chanting, and mindful living.
- Zen meditation and early morning chanting
- Temple cuisine tasting
- Crafting Buddhist prayer beads and scripture copying
- Healing in the tranquil mountain temples
Rather than just an overnight stay, it’s a deep journey into peace of mind and body, drawing global interest as a unique cultural and spiritual experience.
Choose Your Temple Stay Experience

Type | Description |
---|---|
Day Program | Short, half- or full-day experiences focusing on key activities |
Experiential Program | Includes full temple routines such as ceremonies, meditation, and meals |
Restful Stay | Freeform stay focusing on relaxation in a peaceful temple setting |
Each temple customizes its programs to welcome individuals, families, and international visitors, offering diverse schedules and options.
Beyond Tourism: Core Temple Stay Programs

“This isn’t just sightseeing – it’s a chance to reflect inward.”
- 108 Bows: A powerful meditative act of introspection
- Scripture Copying (Sutra): A mindful, spiritual writing experience
- Prayer Bead Crafting: Create your own beads with intention and focus
- Tea Talk: Share tea and wisdom with a monk
Other cultural options include lotus lantern making and learning temple etiquette—offering a blend of tradition and mindfulness.
Top Temple Stay Locations Across Korea

Region | Temple | Highlights |
---|---|---|
Seoul | Bongeunsa | A peaceful retreat in the heart of the city, highly favored by foreigners |
Gyeonggi | Yongmunsa | Ancient temple surrounded by lush forests |
Gangwon | Woljeongsa | Ideal for meditation near Odaesan Mountain |
Jeonnam | Songgwangsa | One of Korea’s Three Jewel Temples with deep Buddhist culture |
Gyeongnam | Haeinsa | Home of the Tripitaka Koreana, rich in heritage |
Reservations can be made through the official Temple Stay website or each temple’s site. Foreign-language programs are also available in English, Chinese, and more.
What Participants Are Saying

- “The tea conversation with the monk helped me reflect on life.”
- “The 108 bows brought deep cleansing of both mind and body.”
- “Temple cuisine was far more profound and flavorful than expected.”
- “The sound of the moktak during morning chants still echoes in my mind.”
Over 90% of participants express a desire to return, reflecting the program’s strong emotional impact and healing power.
Find Your Inner Peace with Temple Stay

Temple Stay is not merely an experience—it’s a deep reflection into Korea’s spiritual essence. Through the lens of Buddhist philosophy, historic temples, and harmony with nature, it becomes a sacred time for self-discovery.
If you long for peace amidst the noise of modern life, this is your invitation to book a Temple Stay today.