For those seeking a unique and immersive experience in Korean culture, a temple stay offers the perfect blend of spiritual rejuvenation and cultural education. Temple stays allow participants to live alongside Buddhist monks, participating in their daily rituals and experiencing the serene lifestyle that has been preserved for centuries. This article explores various temples across South Korea that offer programs specifically designed for foreigners, providing insights into where and how you can partake in this profound cultural journey.
Korea Temple Stay
1. What Is A Temple Stay?
A temple stay is an experiential program offered by many Buddhist temples across Korea. It provides an opportunity for guests to live a monk’s life for a short period, which typically includes activities such as meditation, tea ceremonies, traditional monastic meal service (barugongyang), and Dharma talks. These stays are designed to help individuals find inner peace and spiritual healing, away from the stresses of everyday life.
2. Key Temples Offering Stays For Foreigners
[1] Jogyesa Temple, Seoul
Located in the heart of the bustling capital city, Jogyesa Temple is an ideal spot for those who do not wish to travel far from urban comforts. Despite its location, the temple offers a tranquil retreat with programs that include meditation, Buddhist services, and talks on Buddhism, tailored to non-Korean speakers.
[2] Haeinsa Temple, Gyeongsang Province
This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for housing the Tripitaka Koreana, the complete Buddhist scriptures carved onto 80,000 wooden blocks. Haeinsa’s temple stay program offers a unique opportunity to explore Korean Buddhism’s historical and spiritual depth amidst the beautiful setting of Gayasan National Park.
[3] Beomeosa Temple, Busan
Nestled on the slopes of Geumjeongsan Mountain in Busan, Beomeosa Temple is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and ancient architecture. Foreign visitors can participate in Zen meditation sessions, sutra writing, and ritualistic drumming, all facilitated in English.
[4] Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bulguksa Temple is located in Gyeongju, an area often referred to as the ‘museum without walls.’ The temple offers overnight and multi-day stays that include lotus lantern making, traditional tea ceremonies, and guided tours explaining the significance of the temple’s art and architecture.
[5] Magoksa Temple, Gongju
Set in a valley surrounded by the lush forest of Choongchungnam-do, Magoksa Temple offers a peaceful retreat where visitors can practice yoga, and meditation, and experience the temple’s slow-paced lifestyle. This program is particularly friendly to those who do not speak Korean, with many monks and guides fluent in English.
3. What To Expect
Participants in a temple stay should prepare for a regimented schedule that starts early in the morning. Modest attire is required, and guests are expected to participate in all activities respectfully. The experience is not only an opportunity to learn about Buddhism but also a chance to introspect and reconnect with oneself away from the distractions of modern life.
[1] Korean Temple Food
Korean temple food, integral to the unique temple stay experience, embodies the essence of mindfulness and spiritual nourishment. This cuisine is completely plant-based, avoiding pungent ingredients like garlic and onions to maintain clarity of mind for meditation practices. Meals are prepared with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, reflecting Buddhist principles of living in harmony with nature.
Common dishes include simple yet flavorful rice, vegetable side dishes (namul), and soothing porridge, which are consumed slowly and mindfully to appreciate each bite fully. Participating in a temple stay not only allows visitors to enjoy these healthful, thoughtful meals but also to learn the spiritual and ethical considerations behind their preparation, making each meal an act of meditation and gratitude.
Barugongyang, also known as balwoo gongyang, is a traditional monastic meal ritual practiced in Korean Buddhist temples. This dining practice is deeply rooted in the principles of mindfulness, gratitude, and minimalism. Participants eat in silence, focusing entirely on the act of eating without distractions. The meal is vegetarian, consisting of simple, balanced dishes that adhere to Buddhist teachings on non-violence and compassion towards all living beings.
The ritual begins with the ceremonial arrangement of bowls, each with its designated place and purpose, reflecting order and discipline. Diners are served an exact portion of food, which they must finish completely to honor the Buddhist principle of zero waste and respect for the labor that went into preparing the meal. Barugongyang is not just a meal but a meditative practice that encourages mindfulness, reflection on the interdependence of all life, and gratitude for the nourishment provided.
[2] Korean Temple Tea Ceremony
The Korean temple tea ceremony, known as “dado,” is a serene ritual that embodies the essence of mindfulness and tranquility in Korean Buddhist practice. This ceremony is more than just the act of drinking tea; it is a spiritual and meditative process that fosters inner peace and communal harmony among participants.
Performed with precision and grace, the ceremony involves the careful selection of tea leaves, usually green or herbal, which are then steeped in water heated over a slow fire. The preparation and pouring of tea are carried out with deliberate, mindful movements, encouraging a state of calm and presence in the moment.
Participants of the tea ceremony are invited to savor the aroma and flavor of the tea slowly, reflecting on each sip as a nourishing experience for both body and spirit. This practice not only highlights the tea’s subtle qualities but also promotes a deeper connection with nature and an appreciation for the simplicity of life.
The Korean temple tea ceremony is a profound expression of the Buddhist principles of mindfulness, respect, and gratitude, making it a key component of the culinary and spiritual experience at Korean temple stays.
[3] Meditation Practice
Meditation is a cornerstone of the Korean temple stay experience, embodying the essence of Buddhist practice by promoting inner peace, mindfulness, and spiritual reflection. Participants at a temple stay are introduced to various forms of meditation, which may include seated Zen meditation (known as Zazen), walking meditation, and guided mindfulness practices. These sessions are led by experienced monks and are designed to help individuals cultivate stillness of mind, awareness of the present moment, and a deeper connection to their inner selves.
Seated meditation typically involves focusing on the breath or a mantra, training the mind to observe thoughts and sensations without attachment. Walking meditation, another key practice, involves mindful walking in the temple grounds, where the rhythmic steps and natural surroundings help deepen the sense of presence and tranquility.
These meditation practices are not only spiritual exercises but also opportunities to integrate the core Buddhist teachings of compassion and mindfulness into everyday living. By participating in these practices, visitors to Korean temples can experience a profound sense of peace and rejuvenation, making their temple stay a truly transformative journey.
4. Benefits Of A Temple Stay
A temple stay is not just about experiencing a different culture; it’s about introspection and learning mindfulness in a world that seldom slows down. Guests often leave with a renewed sense of peace, deeper self-awareness, and an increased appreciation for the simplicity of life.
Conclusion
Temple stays in Korea offer a profoundly enriching experience that goes beyond typical tourist activities, providing deep insights into the spiritual, historical, and cultural fabric of the country. Whether you are seeking spiritual enlightenment, stress relief, or simply a new cultural experience, the temples of Korea welcome all who come with an open heart and mind.