Whether you’re weary of the world or just looking for a very different experience the Templestay
Korea program offers a unique environment to reinvigorate both body and soul and refresh your
inner spirit.
Templestay Korea offers a two day experience staying overnight in one of Korea’s stunning
Buddhist temples and a chance to relax and revitalize your soul and learn first-hand about a
monastic lifestyle passed down for well over 1,000 years.
The Templestay Korea program was first launched in 2002 during the FIFA World Cup with only a
few temples offering the overnight experience and it has become so successful that there are
now eighty-seven temples participating in the Templestay program.
Templestay Korea programs allow visitors to experience Korean Buddhist culture. Guests have
the chance to participate in many of the same activities as the Buddhist monks including
meditation, meal offerings and homage services. You can also learn how to make a lotus lantern,
prayer beads and make a woodblock print. Other activities include temple tours, tours to
hermitages, tea ceremonies, Buddhist martial arts and the opportunity to have a once in a
lifetime experience in a perfectly pristine natural environment.
Most temples provide a Templestay uniform for adults and visitors should bring their own towel
and travel kit. Accommodation is usually in same sex shared accommodation. During fall and
the winter warm clothing is a must. You can use public transportation to get to your selected
temple. Some temples will meet participants with reservations at the nearest train or bus station
and escort them to the temple.
The basic two day program (including an overnight stay) costs from US$50-US$80 depending on
the temple and can be extended to three or four days for a deeper experience. A half day Temple
Life program is also available for participants with little time on their hands.
Visit the Templestay Korea website homepage http://eng.templestay.com/ or for further
information or bookings email: ts2002@buddhism.or.kr
A full colour leaflet of the Templestay Korea program is also available by contacting the Sydney
office of Korea Tourism Organization Email: visitkorea@knto.org.au or phone 02)9252-4147/8
