A templestay lets you stay at a traditional Buddhist temple and share a little of the monks’ daily life and practice. The program started for visitors during the 2002 FIFA World Cup, and today temples across Korea welcome both Koreans and international guests.
What you’ll do
- Yebul (chanting) — a ceremony to the sound of the wooden moktak and the monks’ chanting.
- Meditation and 108 bows — time to slow your mind down.
- Baru gongyang — a formal temple meal where nothing is wasted.
- Chadam — a conversation over tea with a monk.
Good to know
You’ll wear the comfortable clothes the temple provides. Speak softly and follow the etiquette for entering the halls. Temple food is made without meat or fish, so it’s a great option for vegetarians.