Are you interested in Temple Stay experiences? If you are visiting Seoul, you might want to explore some famous temple stays near the city. Just outside of Seoul, there's a region called Gyeonggi Province, which is home to many beautiful Buddhist temples, thanks to its lush mountains. Unlike Seoul’s bustling city life, Gyeonggi offers a peaceful retreat into nature. Let’s explore some popular Temple Stay programs you can reach within 2 hours of Seoul.
Yongjusa Temple Stay is a historic temple located in Hwaseong, near Suwon, with deep ties to the Joseon royal family. This place offers a unique opportunity to directly experience traditional Korean culture, allowing participants to briefly experience the life of a monk through activities such as meditation, the 108 bows, and ritual meals (balwoo gongyang). The serene environment of Yongjusa Temple is a perfect setting for calming the mind and engaging in deep reflection, while the beautiful natural scenery surrounding the temple is ideal for enjoyable walks after the temple stay. Yongjusa Temple is located at 136 Yongju-ro in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, making it easily accessible from Seoul or Suwon. Typically, a one-night, two-day stay costs around 70,000 to 80,000 KRW, which includes accommodation, meals, and participation in various programs. The experience at Yongjusa Temple holds more meaning than just a trip, making it highly recommended for those seeking inner growth.
Bongseonsa Temple Stay is a peaceful location in Namyangju, just about an hour from Gangnam Station. Although close to the city, the natural surroundings allow participants to enjoy serene moments of meditation. In particular, walking meditation in the forest greatly helps recharge the weary minds and bodies of modern individuals. Bongseonsa Temple offers programs that include meditation, chanting, and walking meditation in the nearby forest, making it perfect for those looking to escape daily stress and find inner peace. Located in Jinjeop-eup, Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, Bongseonsa is easily accessible, making it a great option for a short visit on weekends or holidays. The beautiful scenery and tranquil atmosphere of the temple provide an excellent opportunity for self-reflection and deep contemplation. The one-night, two-day program at Bongseonsa costs approximately 60,000 to 80,000 KRW, which includes various activities such as meditation, chanting, and walking meditation in the forest.
Myogaksa Temple Stay is located near Naksan Park in Seoul, offering a unique temple stay experience in the heart of the city. It is an ideal place for those seeking peace and tranquility amidst the bustling urban environment. The program provides various activities, including tea ceremonies, walking meditation, and participation in traditional Buddhist rituals (yebul), offering genuine spiritual relaxation. In this urban landscape, you can immerse yourself in a profound inner journey, even if just for a short time. Myogaksa is situated at 63ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul, making it highly accessible, with a one-night, two-day program priced around 70,000 to 90,000 KRW. This fee includes accommodation, meals, and participation in the programs.
Which Temple Stay resonates with you the most? In my next post, I’ll explore what you can do during a temple stay and share the etiquette you should know when visiting Korean Buddhist temples. See you next time!
