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The sublime stillness of the predawn mountain morning is broken by the majestic toll of the temple bell. Its sonorous tenor reverberates inside all who are present, regardless of kingdom or species, waking up a slumbering universe. Dressed in the simple gray robes of a Buddhist monk, participants move to the main hall of the temple and take a seat on cushions on the floor. Again, a sound splits the morning silence, only this time it’s a wooden gong, struck by a monk in the front row. The entire hall begins to chant, filling the morning air with entrancing mantras. As the sky turns from purple to increasingly lighter shades of blue, we breathe in the crisp, clean mountain morning air. What a way to start the day.
 

"The road to a mountain always leads to the temple;
The road to the temple eventually merges with the road to nature.
Leave all worldly sufferings behind,
Let nature breathe into you.
Reflect on yourself;
It is time for meditation and moderation." 

Begun in 2002, Korea’s “Templestay” program has established itself as one of the country’s most successful tourism initiatives. Operated by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, the Templestay program allows ordinary people, Koreans and foreigners alike, to experience --- for a night or longer, if they like --- life as a monk at some of Korea’s most captivating temples. A spiritually and culturally enriching experience, the program remains a singular opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation of Korean culture as well as the beauty of Korean Buddhism.

Realizing Your True Self... the Ecological Way

Since arriving to Korea via China in the fourth century, Buddhism has flourished and is today one of the nation’s largest religions. Korea’s mountains are dotted with picturesque Buddhist temples, some of which are home to its most important cultural treasures. Korean Buddhism has long enjoyed a close relationship with nature, preferring the solitude and tranquility of distant mountain peaks to the hustle and bustle of the city.
 

The Templestay program not only brings you closer to nature, but also to yourself. Buddhist practice seeks to calm and clear the mind, allowing you to find your “true self” and become one with your “original nature". “If you go there, you can find yourself,” say program representatives.

As a Templestay participant, you’ll experience a number of practices, including waking up at the crack of dawn to perform group chanting, having communal meals, performing prostrations, practicing Seon (Zen) meditation and participating in tea ceremonies.  However, if waking up at odd hours don't appeal to you, you have the option to simply enjoy the serenity of the temple as an observer.

The Templestay program is fundamentally about finding true happiness and clarity within ourselves. It is hoped that participants integrate the experience into their daily lives in order to better live in harmony with the universe and all sentient beings.

Choose Your Temple Well

There are many temples throughout Korea that participate in the Templestay program, from smaller local temples to Haeinsa, home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even in Seoul, you’ll find a number of participating temples, including Myogaksa, Bongeunsa, Hwagyesa (home to a famous international Zen center) and Jogyesa. The Templestay web site will help you figure out which temple is right for you.

While temples may differ, programs are fairly similar. The usual program lasts for two to five days, although some places offer longer programs for those who desire it. Main programs include:


Chanting: The Yebul, or ceremonial chanting in praise of the Buddha, is held three times a day. The morning Yebul is particularly inspiring, conducted in the quiet of pre-dawn hours.

Meditation: Trying not to think is much harder than it looks. In Korea, Seon (Zen) meditation takes two forms: sitting and walking. You’ll practice doing both.

Communal Meals: Called Baru Gongyang, communal meals --- always vegetarian --- are taken in complete silence. It’s important that you waste not even one grain of rice.

Eating is also regarded as a kind of practice, and the food is viewed as medicine to support our bodies so that we might attain enlightenment.

Tea Ceremony: Always popular with foreigners, the tea ceremony is a form of meditation in itself, and a wonderfully relaxing experience. The fragrance of properly prepared tea clears the head and warms the body and soul. Sitting with a monk or your group members, sharing a cup of tea and some quiet conversation, you’ll soon forget the hectic pace of the outside world.

Making lotus lanterns and lotus flowers: You can make your own lotus lantern by pasting multi-colored rice paper leaves on a paper cup. A beautiful lotus lantern brightly illuminates the dark ignorance of our minds. We vow to let our own pure lotus flowers completely blossom in our hearts.

Sutra Printing: Sutra is one of the "three jewels of Buddhism," the other two being the Buddha and the monks. Ink, brushes, and wooden blocks are prepared for printing the scriptures. After the activity is over, you get to keep the scriptures as a souvenir. As you partake in this activity, you are encouraged to feel the way that writing the scriptures brings you good luck.

Informal dialogue with a Buddhist monk: Here is a chance to ask a monk anything you have been wondering about Buddhism or how to live wisely in this world, and he will try to help you resolve any issues you may be facing in your daily life.

You may also choose not to participate in any of the programs, but simply enjoy and relax at a temple for a few days.
 

For more Information
You could choose your temple based on location, scenery, or programs, but some temples are more English-speaking than others. For the complete list of temples that instruct in English, please contact the Templestay program or visit the Templestay Information Center.
Cost: Templestay program fees differ from temple to temple, but are usually around 40,000 to 80,000 won.


Main Temples in Seoul: Jogyesa, Hwagyesa, Bongeunsa, Gilsangsa, Bongeunsa, Geumseonsa, Jinkwansa, Gwanmunsa, International Seon Center.

Reservations: Reservations can be made through the Templestay website.

The Templestay website (see above) is a wonderful resource with information on temples, reservations, etiquette and more. If you’d prefer to visit a center in person, the Jogye Order of Buddhism runs a massive Templestay Information Center across from Jogyesa Temple in Insadong. In addition to providing information, it also boasts a café and an excellent Buddhist cuisine restaurant.
(The Templestay Information Center can help you locate the ideal temple for your stay.)


How to get there:

- Take subway line No. 1 to Jonggak Station, go out through exit No. 2, and then walk about 5 minutes in the direction of Jogyesa.
- Or else take subway line No. 3 to Anguk Station, go out through exit No. 6, and walk about 5 minutes in the direction of Jogyesa.