A Korean templestay is a cultural program that lets you live like a monastic for a day or two in one of Korea’s historic Buddhist temples. It is a chance to escape city noise, eat clean vegan food, and practice mindfulness through meditation and ancient rituals. Trust me, even if you aren’t religious, the mountain air and the rhythmic sound of the wooden gong (moktak) will settle your soul.
- Do you have to be a Buddhist to participate?
- What does a typical day look like at the temple?
- Will I actually like the monastic meals?
- Which temple should you choose for your first stay?
- How do I book and what does it cost?
- Sister Unice’s “Only-a-Local-Knows” Tips
- FAQ
- Where to book — Sister Unice’s picks
- Sources
Do you have to be a Buddhist to participate?
Absolutely not! Templestays are open to everyone, regardless of your background or beliefs.
Most participants are just regular people looking for a bit of peace or a unique cultural experience. The monks are very welcoming and won’t try to convert you, though they do expect you to follow the temple’s basic rules of etiquette.
What does a typical day look like at the temple?
The schedule might look a bit intimidating at first, especially when you see the 4:00 AM wake-up call. But there is a beautiful rhythm to it once you get started.
- Dawn Chanting (Yebul): The day begins before the sun rises with rhythmic chanting and bowing in the main hall.
- Seon Meditation: You will learn how to clear your mind and focus on your breath while sitting in the quiet hall.
- 108 Bows: This is a moving meditation where you perform 108 prostrations—one for each of the “worldly delusions.” (Your knees might complain a bit, but your mind will feel lighter!)
- Lotus Lantern Making: A relaxing craft session where you build your own paper lantern shaped like a flower.
Will I actually like the monastic meals?
The “Barugongyang” is a formal monastic meal eaten from traditional wooden bowls. It is entirely vegan, focusing on seasonal vegetables, roots, and fermented pastes.
The most important rule?
You cannot leave a single grain of rice behind. In the traditional ritual, you even use a piece of yellow radish and water to clean the bowl and drink the remains—talk about zero waste!
Which temple should you choose for your first stay?
Korea has hundreds of temples, but some are particularly friendly for international travelers. Depending on your vibe, here are a few standouts:
How do I book and what does it cost?
Booking is actually quite simple because there is a dedicated English website for all official programs. You can browse temples by region or by the type of program (Experiential vs. Rest-oriented).
The cost usually ranges from 50,000 to 100,000 KRW (roughly $40 to $80 USD) per night. This includes your lodging, all meals, and the temple uniform you’ll wear during your stay.
Sister Unice’s “Only-a-Local-Knows” Tips
1. Wear socks at all times. In Korea, walking into a temple hall with bare feet is considered very disrespectful. Even in the middle of summer, bring a pair of clean white or neutral socks to wear during ceremonies.
2. Bring your own towel and toiletries. While temples provide the uniform and bedding, they aren’t hotels. Most do not provide towels, toothbrushes, or soap, so pack your own small kit.
3. The “Temple Uniform” is actually quite chic. You’ll be given a vest and very baggy pants. They are incredibly comfortable, but be warned: the pants have no pockets, so bring a small crossbody bag for your phone or tissues.
FAQ
Q. Can I use my phone during the stay?
A. Most temples don’t ban phones, but they ask you to keep them on silent. The point is to unplug, so try to keep the scrolling to a minimum!
Q. Do I have to sleep on the floor?
A. Usually, yes. Most temples provide a “yo” (a traditional padded floor mattress). It’s surprisingly good for your back, but it might take your body one night to get used to it.
Q. Is there a language barrier?
A. Temples listed on the official English site usually have at least one staff member or a monk who speaks basic English to guide you through the activities. A templestay is a budget-friendly, culturally rich way to see the “real” Korea. Book only through the official site at eng.templestay.com to ensure the temple is ready for foreign guests. Focus on the experience, wake up for the dawn chant at least once, and enjoy the delicious vegan food.
Where to book — Sister Unice’s picks
Real, well-reviewed places I’d actually book, with the link to reserve:
- Official Korea Templestay Reservation Portal — The official national booking gateway run by the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism, offering verified schedules and English support for over 140 temples nationwide.
- Golgulsa Temple Stay (Gyeongju) — Korea’s world-famous martial arts temple where travelers practice traditional Seonmudo moving meditation and 108 bows nestled in Hamwolsan mountain caves.
- Bongeunsa Templestay (Seoul) — The top-rated urban temple stay in Gangnam, ideal for beginners wanting tea ceremonies (dado) and lotus lantern making without leaving the capital.
- Haeinsa Temple Stay (Gayasan Mountain) — A transformative mountain stay inside a UNESCO World Heritage sanctuary housing the ancient Tripitaka Koreana woodblocks, complete with traditional formal meal practice (barugongyang).
- Naksansa Temple Stay (Yangyang Coast) — Renowned for stunning cliffside ocean sunrises over the East Sea, offering peaceful seaside walking meditation and morning chanting services.
Links go to third-party booking/shopping sites. I only list places and products with genuinely strong reviews.
Booking directly through the official English Templestay platform is the safest and only authorized way to secure authentic monastic programs across South Korea.
Not a paid placement or affiliate link — just a resource Unice trusts.
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