Hello. This is Awesomek. ???? If you want to enjoy a temple stay in Seoul as your main destination, what should you do? You can find temple stays in Gyeonggi-do, near Seoul. There are many lush mountains in Gyeonggi-do near Seoul, so Buddhist temples can be found more easily than in Seoul. Let's take a look around the temple stay in Gyeonggi-do, which takes less than two hours.
Located in Hwaseong, Yongjusa Temple is a historic temple closely tied to the Korean royal family from the Joseon Dynasty. The temple stay program at Yongjusa offers participants a chance to experience daily monastic life through activities such as meditation, the 108 prostrations, and baru gongyang (traditional temple meals). The tranquil atmosphere of Yongjusa is ideal for those looking to clear their minds and reflect deeply.
Situated in Namyangju, Bongseonsa Temple offers a peaceful retreat just a short distance from Seoul. Despite its proximity to the city, the temple is surrounded by nature, providing a serene environment for participants. The program includes meditation and chanting sessions, as well as walking meditation through the surrounding forest. This combination of mindful practices and nature makes Bongseonsa Temple a perfect place for spiritual rejuvenation.
Myogaksa Temple, located in the heart of Seoul near Naksan Mountain, offers a peaceful temple stay experience amid the bustling city. Despite its central location, the temple provides a serene atmosphere perfect for those seeking mindfulness and tranquility. The Myogaksa temple stay program emphasizes meditation practices such as tea ceremonies and walking meditation. Participants can also join traditional Buddhist rituals, such as the yebul (Buddhist prayer ceremony), offering an immersive experience into Korea’s spiritual traditions in an urban setting.
Which Temple Stay do you like? Well, in our next post, we'll learn about What You Do at a Temple Stay and the Etiquettes for Temples in South Korea. See you!
