Temple Stay in Korea.

Temple Stay

Temple Stay is a cultural experience program designed to enhance the public’s understanding of Korean Buddhism. Therefore, it is open to everyone regardless of religious belief.  A typical temple stay program entails an overnight stay at a Buddhist temple, and participation in such Buddhist rituals as yebul (ceremonial service), chamseon (Zen meditation), and barugongyang (monastic meal). Other activities may include dado (tea ceremony) with monks, outdoor meditation, lotus lantern and prayer bead crafts, painting, folk games, hiking, etc.

Main Activities

Yebul: Ceremonial Service Yebul is held three times a day: morning, midday, and evening. It also features 108 prostrations.

Chamseon: Zen Meditation There are two types of chamseon: jwaseon (seated meditation), and haengseon (walking meditation).

Barugongyang: Monastic Meal Barugongyang is a monastic ritual of eating that requires complete silence and no wasting of food.

Dado: Tea Ceremony Boiling and serving good tea is one of the oldest customs in Korea.

Etiquette Temples are a site of historic preservation as well as personal meditation. So, it is very important to keep quiet and gentle. In general, visitors to temples must refrain from: • Speaking loudly, shouting, running, singing, or playing music; • Physical contact between men and women; • Eating and drinking in undesignated areas or while walking; • Chewing gum; • Drinking alcohol; • Eating meat or fish; • Smoking; • Stealing; and • Taking photos inside Buddha Hall or other buildings without permission. For detailed information on temple etiquette, please visit the Temple Stay Information Center website.