Templestay Information
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- Yongjoosa Temple
- A temple full of the traditions of filial piety and Buddhist practice…
The area around Yongjoosa Temple, the temple well known for its filial propriety, is steadily becoming urbanized. Because of reckless development of this area, the surrounding rice fields and forests are slowly disappearing and tall apartments and skyscrapers are being built. Due to those changes, Yongjoosa has been transformed into a temple symbolic of preserving the area’s nature and traditions. Yongjoosa was built in 1790 by the 22nd ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, King Jeongjo (1752-1800), in honor of his late father, Prince Sadosaeja (1735-1762). This place was the former site of the temple Galyangsa, built in 854 C.E. by the Shilla King Munseong. King Jeongjo had moved his murdered father’s tomb from its previous location in Yangjoo, Gyeonggi Province to Hwasan. He then built a temple to protect the royal tomb, and to pray for the repose of his father’s soul. The night before the opening ceremony, the King dreamed of a dragon grasping a Cintamani jewel (magic pearl) in its mouth, ascending to heaven, and so he named the temple Yongjoosa (Dragon Jewel Temple). Therefore, Yongjoosa is known as “The original temple of filial piety”, where Buddha nature and filial piety go hand in hand. Yongjoosa hasn’t changed much from the time of its foundation until now. When you pass through the Iljoomun (One Pillar Gate), the trees lining the road stretch upwards, forming a canopy that covers the sky. And the stone wall surrounding the temple blends in well with the outlying forest, producing a cozy atmosphere. Once you pass through the forest, you reach the Daeoongjeon (Main Buddha Hall), which is the central focal point of the temple, and is well placed in relation to the other buildings. In the Main Buddha Hall there is a Thangka (painting behind the Buddha) attributed to the artist Hongdo Kim (1706--?) The giant bell in the Yongjoosa bell tower is said to have been cast in the beginning of the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392 C.E.) But more than anything, if you mention Yongjoosa, the tablet containing the “Sutra of Filial Piety to One’s Parents” comes to mind, which was created by King Jeongjo in 1796 to repay his parents’ kindness. At Yongjoosa there is a museum praising King Jeongjo’s filial piety, and the sutra tablet itself is on display, as well as other cultural treasures related to the king.Yongjoosa’s Templestay ProgramYongjoosa runs a variety of Templestay Programs that have been designed to help us turn our attention within and illuminate our True Self. In addition, another program lets participants examine the various cultural treasures housed in the temple and helps us rediscover the value of filial piety. 
Your Templestay experience
Program : Yongjoosa Regular Weekend Schedule | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 50000Program : Yongjoosa Temple Stay Weekday Schedule | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 70000 -
- Sudeoksa Temple
- Feel the spirit of practice, as you ascend the mountain Deoksungsan…
If you mention the name Sudeoksa, something comes to the mind of most people, even those who don’t go to the temple. There is a popular folk song that has to do with Sudeoksa, and also there’s the famous “Sudeok Hotel”, which looks like it could almost be part of the temple. It was at this hotel that the painter Eungno Lee (1905-1992) drew a painting on a rock. Because of these kinds of memories, the name Sudeoksa has certain fond associations for many people. The exact date when Sudeoksa was established can’t be known, but in the academic world, it is assumed to have been founded during the reign of the Baekjae King Wideok (554-598 C.E.). From the Goryeo Dynasty through the Joseon Dynasty it was a large temple, but the important role that Sudeoksa has today in Korean Buddhism is really the legacy of two Great Monks, Ven. Gyeongheo (1849-1912) and Ven. Mangong (1871-1946). Ven. Gyeongheo was a great Seon (Jap: Zen) Master who helped revitalize the Seon school in the latter part of the Joseon Dynasty. While he was staying at Sudeoksa, Ven. Gyeongheo did a lot to enliven the spirit of Seon in Korea. Later his disciple, Ven. Mangong, continued his efforts and enlarged the temple, producing many great disciples himself. Because of this long, steady tradition of practice within the Sudeoksa family, in 1984 the temple was awarded the distinction of becoming a Chongnim Temple, officially called the Deoksung Chongnim. A Chongnim Temple includes a Seon (Jap: Zen) room, Sutra school and Precepts school, all functioning together as a unified place of practice. At the moment in the Korean Buddhist Jogye Order, there are five Chongnim Temples: Haeinsa, Songgwangsa, Tongdosa, Baekyangsa, and Sudeoksa. There’s one more figure in Sudeoksa’s history who can’t be forgotten, Ven. Ilyeop (1876-1971). Before she ordained, Ven. Ilyeop was a famous writer among modern women of her day. Together with the female artist Hyeseok Na, she played an instrumental role in pioneering the feminist social action movement, during the gloomy period of the Japanese occupation of Korea. She ordained in 1933, and became a disciple of Ven. Mangong. There are many cultural properties at Sudeoksa, which confirms that it was indeed a great temple in both the Goryeo and Joseon Dynasties. The Daeoongjeon (Main Buddha Hall) was built during the reign of Goryeo King Chungryeol (1308 C.E.), and is one of the few extant Goryeo Dynasty buildings in Korea, together with Buddha Halls from Bongjeongsa in Andong, and Buseoksa in Yeongju. Especially when seen from the side, the geometrical beauty of the Main Buddha Hall is famous.Sudeoksa’s Templestay ProgramSudeoksa’s Templestay Program is very popular with international visitors. The program features monastic formal meals, communal work period, tea and conversation with the monks, and a variety of other activities that give the participants some experience of temple life. In particular, there is a good chance to appreciate the area’s beautiful scenery if you take a walk up to the top of Deoksungsan (also called The Little Diamond Mountain of Chuncheongdo) to visit the temple Jeonghyesa near the peak. 
Your Templestay experience
Program : Sudeoksa Regular Schedule | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 60000Program : Sudeoksa Regular Schedule | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 100000 -
- Jeondeungsa Temple
- The oldest temple in this historical region …
Jeondeungsa Temple is located on Ganghwa Island, which has been a historically significant place from the time of ancient Joseon (i.e. the birth of the Korean people), until the present day. So naturally, the atmosphere is quite different than other places as you make your way up to the temple. After you get out of your car and start to make your way up the mountain, you’ll notice that it’s totally encircled by a fortress. This is the Samnang Fortress, which was designed to help protect the land from foreign invaders. You should pass through the fortress gate to enter the temple, as these days the entrance to the temple is actually what was once the old fortress gate. It’s been said that Jeondeungsa was founded in the Goguryeo Period, during the reign of King Sosurim (381 C.E.) by the Ven. Ado, who called it Jinjongsa Temple. If it’s true, then Jeondeungsa can be considered to be the temple having the oldest history in all of Korea. During the Goryeo Dynasty, Jinjongsa fought against the invasion of the Mongol hordes, and helped bring about the revival of Buddhism. The Goryeo Royal Family set up their temporary court on Ganghwado Island after fleeing from the city of Gaeseong, and constructed a temporary palace within the temple grounds, which was a great boon for Jinjongsa. When the royals returned to the capital city of Gaegyeong, during the reign of King Chungryeol (1282), the name of the temple was changed to Jeondeungsa after the Queen made offerings of sutras and a jade lantern to the temple. During this period of the Joseon Dynasty, when Confucianism was worshipped and Buddhism largely suppressed, Jeondeungsa didn’t lose its position as a significant temple. In the reign of King Sukjong (1678), the temple was charged with protecting the ancestral records of the Joseon Dynasty royal family, so from 1719 until 1910 Jeondeungsa’s senior monk always held the highest position of any monk in the Joseon Dynasty. Jeondeungsa currently has a Daeoongbojeon (Main Buddha Hall), Yaksajeon (Medicine Buddha Hall), and giant temple bell, among other cultural treasures. One interesting story is that on one of the eaves of the Main Buddha Hall there is the figure of a naked woman, presumably carved by the broken-hearted carpenter whom she had scorned.Jeondeungsa’s Templestay ProgramTemplestay offers a unique opportunity to gain peace of mind and new cultural experiences by participating in the daily life of Buddhist monastics at a traditional Buddhist temple set in beautiful nature. Participants can choose either to follow the daily routine of monks by joining Buddhist services, communal work, formal monastic meals, meditation and dialogue with the monk, or just relax and choose whatever activities one fancies in order to have a restful time.Blog: http://jeondeungsa.wordpress.com Twitter:@jeondeungsa Email: jeondeungtemple@gmail.com Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/jeondeungsa Website: http://www.jeondeungsa.org (Korean) http://eng.templestay.com (English) 
Your Templestay experience
Program : Jeondeungsa Recuperation Schedule (Open year-round) | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 40000Program : Jeondeungsa Regular Schedule (weekend program) | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 60000 -
- Donghwasa Temple
- In the southern foothills of the mountain Palgongsan, a phoenix roosting on her eggs…
You can sense a kind of pleasant familiarity as you enter the temple Donghwasa. The temple is located in the southern foothills of the famous mountain Palgongsan, which looks like a phoenix roosting on her eggs. The Foxglove (Paulownia) tree blooms in the middle of winter, and so the name of the temple reflects this auspicious symbol (Donghwasa means “Paulownia Flower Temple”). Donghwasa was founded during the reign of Shilla King Soji (493 C.E.) by Ven. Geukdal, and was originally called Yougasa Temple. Later during the reign of King Heungdeok (832 C.E.), a monk named Ven. Shimji enlarged the temple. He thought it was auspicious that the Paulownia Tree bloomed in mid-winter, so he changed the temple’s name to Donghwasa. Donghwasa has been expanded numerous times, so today it’s quite a large temple. The temple has many valuable cultural properties that are befitting its ancient history, but the most eye-catching by far is the gigantic Unification Medicine Buddha statue that was built in 1992 and is at least 17 m high. If you really want to have the sense that you’re going to a temple, instead of taking the newly built road, try passing through the Iljoomun (One Pillar Gate) and following the old road up to the temple. Along that road you can see the Buddha figure that was personally carved in a rock face by Ven. Shimji himself. In the evening light, the Buddha’s warm smile almost comes to life.Donghwasa’s Templestay ProgramDonghwasa runs a Templestay program called: Using Meditation in the Search for My True Self. Those who can unload their mind’s heavy baggage, even for a moment, can realize their dream of a happy life. This program features Seon Meditation near the stupas (reliquaries), where there is still a sense of the wisdom and energy of the great old masters guiding you. Lie down and meditate watching the stars in the nighttime sky. Completely find your True Self again, this True Self you thought you had lost. There is also a one day Temple Life program, where in the space of four hours you can experience a temple tour, monastic formal meal, and Dado (tea ceremony). 
Your Templestay experience
Program : Donghwasa Regular Schedule | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 80000Program : Templestay for rest | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 70000Program : Donghwasa Regular Schedule | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 80000 -
- Haeinsa Temple
- Eighty Four Thousand Dharma Teachings, flowers in the spring and fall foliage in the autumn, all attract people to…
The true appearance of the world can’t be seen through the delusions and dreams that cloud the mind. When these dreams and illusions come to a stop, then the true face of the world can be seen for the first time. In a similar way, nothing can be reflected in water that is agitated, but everything is reflected, just as it is, in water that is still. The ancients expressed this state of mind which has left all delusion behind as being like still water reflecting anything in front of it. This can be one origin of the name Haeinsa, which implies a seal or impression (In) on the sea water (Hae), as if the temple is pointing towards this original tranquil mind with its name. Haeinsa was founded during the reign of Shilla King Aejang (802 C.E.) by Ven. Suneung and Ven. Ijeong, who were carrying on the teaching of Ven. Uisang (625-702 C.E.) After that, when Ven. Heerang rejected Gyeonhweon and assisted Goyreo King Taejo, the king repaid him by designating Haeinsa the Goryeo National Temple. During the Joseon Dynasty, a great set of sutra tablets from the Goryeo Dynasty were enshrined at Haeinsa, which is why the temple is known as the “Dharma Treasure Temple.” Since the number of wood blocks in this collection of sutra tablets totals 81,258, the entire set is known as the “Eighty Thousand Tripitaka Sutra” collection in Korean, but is often called simply the “Tripitaka Koreana” in English. The creation of the Tripitaka dates to the Goryeo Dynasty reign of King Gojong (1237 C.E.), when the ruling government created the collection over a period of 11 years in order to repel the invasion of the Mongol hordes, using the power of Buddhism. The building in which the collection is stored is called the Panjeon, and it has been designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, while the collection itself has been designated a World Cultural Record asset. After been repaired during the Joseon Dynasty reign of King Seongjong (1488 C.E.), it looks today as it once did in ancient times. The Panjeon Hall housing the tablets is famous itself for its natural design, which features different sized windows facing north and south to allow for air circulation, and an earthen floor made up of layers of ash, lime, salt and sand in order to control humidity. Haeinsa is also considered a “Chongnim Temple”, featuring a Seon (Jap: Zen) Room, Sutra School, and Precepts School, which are called together the “Haein Chongnim.” Haeinsa is also known for being the temple where the legendary Supreme Patriarch of the Jogye Order, Ven. Seongcheol (1912-1993) resided for many years, until he entered Nirvana.Haeinsa’s Templestay ProgramHaeinsa offers a standard two- day Templestay program, a two day freestyle program, and a five day/four night training program in the summer. The standard program is called Live Like the Wind and Water, then Leave Your Body! , and features monastic formal meals, Seon Meditation, and a variety of programs that allow for a deeper feeling for the teachings of Buddhism. Participants in Haeinsa’s program can have the unforgettable experiences of hearing the sound of the throbbing Dharma drum pierce the crisp, clear, early morning air, and visiting the mountain hermitages above the temple, where many great old monks, such as Ven. Seongcheol stayed. 
Your Templestay experience
Program : Haeinsa Freestyle program. | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 40000Program : Haeinsa Regular Schedule | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 60000 -
- Bongeunsa Temple
- History of Bongeunsa TempleBongeunsa is a 1,200 year old temple located in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Built in 794 C.E. during the reign of King Wonseong by National Teacher, Ven. Yeonhoe, Bongeunsa became the head temple of the Seon sect during the Joseon Dynasty, when the government supported Confucianism, while oppressing Buddhism. Due to the efforts of Ven. Bowu, who devoted himself to the revival of Korean Buddhism, by official recognition Bongeunsa became a stepping stone for this development. In addition, through the national examinations for recruiting monks, it produced great masters such as Master Seosan and Samyeong, who revived the lineage of Seon (Zen) practice in Korea. In the latter part of the Joseon Dynasty, Ven. Younggi built the Pan-jeon to store and preserve Buddhist scriptures, as well as eighty-one engraved volumes of the Avatamsaka Sutra. Jeonghee Kim, at that time a great scholar and calligrapher, resided here and developed his own unique writing style, known as Chusache. More recently, when Bongeunsa was experiencing a period of decline, Ven. Youngam gradually gathered land and laid the foundation for a huge temple compound in present-day Gangnam. In the 1960s, the Dongguk Translation Institute was established at this temple to spearhead the translation of Buddhist scriptures from Chinese to Korean. This temple was also the birthplace of the Buddhist youth movement. Today, Bongeunsa is writing a new history for Korean Buddhism, establishing itself as the center of Buddhist practice. Monks apply themselves to chanting, monastic meals, communal work, and Seon meditation. The administration opened its financial records to the public, and allowed the laity to be part of management. The lay people are not only engaged in religious activities including prayer, meditation and Buddhist services, but also participate in volunteer work and other social work to help modern-day Buddhism reach out to the community. Moreover, more and more Buddhists are studying scriptures to stay on the right track as followers of the Buddha. With this drive from all parts of temple, Bongeunsa is moving ahead to become a haven of practice and compassion.
Your Templestay experience
Program : Templestay | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 70000 -
- Myogaksa Temple
- Stay in a temple where you can look down over Seoul city….
Myogaksa Temple is located in downtown Seoul, in the Sungindong area of the Jongnogu district. The temple is situated in the foothills of Naksan Mountain, so you can see the entire urban area of Seoul at once, and feel both the busy city below and the leisurely temple environment. Myogaksa was founded in May, 1930 by Ven. Taeheo. It has been said that, according to the rules of geomancy, constructing a temple in this spot would put the city of Seoul at ease. The temple area is not very large, but the Daebulbojeon (Main Buddha Hall) and other smaller Dharma Halls are all situated very harmoniously together. The figure of Gwanseumbosal, carved into the natural stone of Naksan Mountain, looks ready to reach out and grasp the hands of those who pass by the stone ledge.
Myogaksa’s Templestay ProgramMyogaksa runs two kinds of Templestay programs: an overnight program and a daylong temple cultural program called Laying Down My Mind. The best feature of Myogaksa’s Templestay program is being able to get a taste of traditional temple life, even while still in the city. At this neighborhood temple, leave the chaotic world behind and experience Yebul (chanting services), Seon Meditation, Communal Work Period, 108 prostrations and the power of noble silence. In particular, there is the unforgettable experience of looking down over Seoul at dusk while ringing the great temple bell. In the early morning, try taking a walk in the nearby Naksan Park. It is a great way to reflect on yourself and turn your attention within. According to your age, personal preferences, and how much time you would like to spend here, we have a variety of programs available for everyone, including video presentations, making lotus lanterns, and taking a walk through the Cheonggye-cheon stream park.
Your Templestay experience
Program : One Day Program(TempleLife) | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 50000Program : 2 Days/ 1 Night program | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 95000 -
- Jikjisa Temple
- Taking a look at myself…
The region of Gimcheon, where the temple Jikjisa is located, is halfway between Seoul and Busan. The Seoul-Busan train line and the Seoul-Busan Expressway also pass by the area. If you enjoy train travel, then definitely visit Gimcheon as soon as possible, since there’s a frequent local bus waiting for you in front of Gimcheon Station that will take you right to Jikjisa. Jikjisa’s history spans more than 1600 years. It was founded during the reign of Shilla King Nulji (418 C.E.) by Ven. Ado, and during the Joseon Dynasty the temple’s influence was so great that it even owned part of downtown Gimcheon. The name “Jikji”, which means “Pointing directly”, comes from an expression in the Seon (Jap: Zen) School, “Pointing directly to Original Mind.” It also refers to the fact that Ven. Ado pointed out that this spot was a good location to build a temple. And finally, it can mean that during the Goryeo Dynasty, temples weren’t built using rulers, but instead measurements were taken by hand (“Ji” also means “finger”.) At the entrance to Jikjisa is a small park that people use as resting place, which goes to show how luxuriant the forest surrounding the temple is. Not only that, but within the temple grounds there are various flowers and trees that bloom at different times of the year and make the place really magnificent. And of course, people want to stay as long as they can in the ancient temple buildings. There’s a story that if you see the Baby Buddha first when you go into the Vairocana Buddha Hall that you’ll give birth to a son, in other words good things will happen to you.Jikjisa’s Templestay ProgramOn the second Saturday of every month there is a program called Templestay: Looing into My Mind Straighly. Another program offered in summer/winter season specially for 2nights 3days is called O-You-Ji-Jok (Be Satisfied with Whatever You Have) and is oriented towards practice. The programs all differ slightly, as some are oriented more towards experiencing nature, whereas others are focused more on the actual practice of Buddhism. There are also group Templestay programs suitable for businesses or institutions. More detailed information can be found on the Jikjisa Templestay website. 
Your Templestay experience
Program : Jikjisa Special Schedule for Summer Season(1st) | Period :3day | Fee : KRW 100000Program : Celebrating 2014 New Year and 1080 Times Bow Templestay | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 50000Program : Jikjisa Special Schedule for Summer Season(2nd) | Period :3day | Fee : KRW 100000Program : Tranquil Templestay for Relaxation | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 50000Program : Looking into My Mind Straightly | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 70000 -
- Beopjusa Temple
- The astoundingly beautiful temple of Beopjusa is located on Mount Songni, one of Korea's most incredible sites. Peaceful, lush green landscapes of Songnisan National Park is made up of quietly profound mountains. It attract countless mountaineers and tourists for relaxation and healing amidst nature.
Literally the name means' a temple where the Buddha's teaching resides Beopju' (in 'the mountain which renounces the secular world) and Songni (the lofty mountain embraces everything in its bosom) The humble, but pristine and gorgeous temple welcomes everyone with its wide-open doors. Founded in 553 CE, the ancient space cherishes innumerable cultural treasures, which will give you access to the essence of both Buddhist and Korean traditional culture, bringing both local and foreign visitors together.
Beopjusa is especially well-known for its vast amount of cultural properties. The temple's highlights include Geumdongmireukdaebul (gilded bronze Buddha statue 33 meters or over 100 feet high), Palsangjeon (five-story wooden pagoda), Daeungbojeon (considered one of Korea’s three major Buddhist halls), Ssangsajaseokdeung (twin-lion stone lamp), Lotus-Shaped Stone Fountain and Palsangjeon Hall.
Beopjusa Temple represents Mt. Songnisan, containing within it 1,500 years of history and a matching list of numerous National Treasures and Monuments. You can truly experience the Buddhist culture reflected in these artifacts.
The famous golden Buddha statue lifts over 100 feet or 33 meter into the heavens. It weighs over 160 tons, is coated with about 80 kgs of pure gold glittering in the sunlight and is considered the biggest in the world among its kind. It is truly a wonder.
In modern years, Beopjusa has taken a leading role in providing a systematically structured Temple Stay program to meet the needs of modern Buddhists in and out of Korean peninsula. Organized by a successful, retired ibanker turned welcoming zen host, the well-organized Temple Stay program is a great way to experience the traditional Korean Buddhism even for those who are new to the culture.
Regardless of one’s religion, Temple Stay is a program where one can stay in a traditional Buddhist temple to experience the spiritual culture and practice of Buddhism. It is open to everyone who wants to get away from their busy and complicated life, Buddhist or not, to be part of nature and turn inwards to introspect. The program includes early morning chant with the monks beneath the moonlight and stars, zen mediation, meditation in the mountains and tea ceremony with the monks and nuns. The doors of Beopjusa will always remain open for the seekers of the true happiness.
Enjoy the Scent of One Thousand and Five Hundred Years of History in the lush mountains.
Temple Stay Office for Reservation :
Location: Songnisan-myeon, Boeun-gun, Chungbuk, Korea
Hours of Operation: 09:00 -17:00 Korean time [Open all year round ]
Inquiries:
Phone: +82-43-544-5656 (Korean, English)
Email: beopjusa@gmail.com (Korean, English)
Website: http://beopjusa.org/eng/main.php?menukey=23
https://twitter.com/beopjusa
http://www.facebook.com/beopjusatemple1 
Your Templestay experience
Program : Beopjusa Regular Schedule | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 70000Program : Templestay for Relaxation (Recuperation Templestay) | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 50000 -
- Woljeongsa Temple
- Feel the unlimited freedom on the fir tree lined forest!
The temple Woljeongsa is located on the mountain Odaesan, and is a mere two hours from Seoul. High above the temple is the legendary Jeongmyeolbogung, the “Jeweled Palace of Stillness and Extinction”, which holds some Sarira (true relics) of the historical Buddha. One route that visitors love to take when they hike on the mountain is the path through the temple’s Fir Tree forest. Especially if you hike the nine kilometer unpaved path from Woljeongsa up to the temple Sangwonsa, you can really get a feeling for the area’s natural surroundings.
Woljeongsa was founded during the reign of Shilla Queen Seondeok (643 C.E.) by the Precepts Master Ven. Jajang (590-658 C.E.) While practicing Buddhism in Tang Dynasty China, the Ven. Jajang had an encounter with Manjushri, and received transmission of some Sarira of the historical Buddha. As soon as the monk finished his training in China and returned to the Shilla Kingdom, he came to Odaesan, where Manjushri was said to reside. He then proceeded to build a hermitage to house the relics, and continued his practice. Later during the reign of Joseon King Cheoljong (1856 C.E.) the temple was greatly enlarged. However, during the Korean War, due to its strategic importance, the temple was completely destroyed, and then later rebuilt.
Woljeongsa’s best known cultural property is the octagonal, nine storey stone pagoda directly in front of the Jeokgwangjeon (Hall of Stillness and Light). It was said to have been erected by the Ven. Jajang, but the pagoda’s style suggests that it was actually from the Goryeo Dynasty. Directly in front of the pagoda is the figure of a seated, stone Bodhisattva, with two hands outstretched together, making offerings to the Buddha. This is the so-called Bodhisattva Heegyeon, who appears in the Lotus Sutra as someone who burned his own body in pursuit of Enlightenment.
Towards the end of the Goryeo Dynasty, while he was practicing at the hermitage Bukdaeam, the Ven. Naong (1320-1376) used to offer Biji (bead-curd residue) to the Woljeongsa Buddha every single day. However, one day some snow which had built up on a pine branch fell down and struck the offering for the Buddha. So the monk scolded the pine tree for failing to recognize the Buddha’s kindness, whereupon the mountain god drove pine trees away from Odaesan and made Fir Trees the lords of the mountain. 
Your Templestay experience
Program : 'Experience-Based' Templestay | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 80000Program : 'Relaxation-Based' Templestay | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 80000 -
- Beomeosa Temple
- A temple which will purify your mind…
The original temple of the Seon sect
Busan is the only city in Korea that wasn’t affected by the massive destruction of the Korean War. The temple Beomeosa is located on the mountain Geumjeongsan in Busan, and during the war the passion for sincere practice didn’t wane at this temple. Among High Monks these days in Korea, there are many who have a strong karmic affinity with Beomeosa. Today Busan has become a city favored by the Buddhist laity, which may be a result of the merit which this area’s central temple, Beomeosa, has accumulated. Beomeosa was founded during the reign of Shilla King Munmu (678 C.E.) by Ven. Uisang (625-702 C.E.). There’s a story that a golden fish came down from heaven and enjoyed living in a well, which may be the source of both Geumjeongsan’s name (Gold Well Mountain) and Beomeosa’s name (Sutra Fish Temple). From the time of its foundation, many temple buildings were constructed at Beomeosa, standing like stars in the sky. However, like other temples, Beomeosa was repeatedly destroyed and then rebuilt. These days Beomeosa is considered one of three great temples in the Yeongnam area (the southeastern region of Korea). Together with Haeinsa, the temple has been revitalizing a sense of well-being, just like in the era of its foundation. Since Beomeosa is built on a mountain slope, the temple buildings are arranged on three elevations of the mountain, low, middle and high. As the result of this kind of geometric placement of the buildings, the temple has a certain coziness about it. The first thing that you’ll notice as you step into Beomeosa is the substantial Iljoomoon (One Pillar Gate). The gate is built upon four gigantic foundation stones, and with a majestic roof crowning the top, from any perspective it looks just like a practicing monk, standing with unmoving mind regardless of what appears. Once you set foot in the Daeoongjeon (Main Buddha Hall), you can really sense the devotion of many people over the years. It’s certainly true of the people you see ardently chanting and praying in the Buddha Hall, and it’s also true of the meticulously depicted wall paintings that cover every corner of the building’s interior. If you haven’t sat in the Buddha Hall and carefully examined the incredible details of the interior, you can’t really say you’ve been to Beomeosa. Visit Beomeosa Webpage for more information and sign up for your Templestay.Beomeosa’s Templestay ProgramIn accordance with the temple’s status as the main Seon temple in the region, Beomeosa’s Templestay program has practice as its central focus. The standard program features chanting services, 108 prostrations, Dado (tea ceremony), and has a strong emphasis on Seon Meditation. There is also a freestyle Templestay program that consists of Seon Meditation and tea and conversation with the monks. This enables participants to sit meditation or rest as they like. Aside from these programs, there is a hiking, a New Year’s Morning, and other special Templestay programs. 
Your Templestay experience
Program : Beomeosa Regular Schedule | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 50000 -
- Geumsansa Temple
- A Templestay program you’ll never forget…
The temple Geumsansa is quietly perched in the western foothills of Moaksan. Like the mountain Gyeryongsan, Moaksan, the so-called “Mother Mountain”, is the cradle of many different indigenous religions. The mountain’s shape looks like a mother cradling her baby, just as Moaksan embraces Geumsansa. During the Baekjae reign of King Beop (599 C.E.), the temple was built to pray for the king’s prosperity and good fortune. Later during the reign of Shilla King Hyegong (766 C.E.), the Precepts Master Ven. Jinpyo (718-752 C.E.) enlarged the temple and established it as the Head Temple for the worship of Maitreya. Maitreya is the future Buddha, who will appear countless eons from now, but to his faithful followers he is a compassionate Buddha who is always with them. Wherever you step in Geumsansa there are valuable relics and cultural assets. But among them all, without a doubt the most eye-catching is the three storey Mireukjeon (Maitreya Hall), the only one in Korea. If you look at the structure from the outside, it seems like a three storey building, but when seen from the interior, it’s completely open all the way to the high ceiling. Inside this enormous hall, there’s a triad of statues, Maitreya in the middle, with a height of 11.82 m, and two Bodhisattvas on either side with a height of 8.79 m each.Geumsansa’s Templestay ProgramGeumsansa runs a Templestay program that is extremely popular and participants often come back to stay and run the volunteer team. Administrative staff and volunteers number almost 20 people at times. The program enables people to speak with the monks and ask them anything they may have been wondering about Buddhism, or for advice on how to solve some of the problems in their life. There are three kinds of standard programs run at Geumsansa. The basic program is called “Templestay: Whispering Together…” and features Seon Meditation, 108 prostrations, tea and conversation with monks, and walking meditation. A one week program, with more of a focus on actual practice, is called Seon: Understanding Myself. It is a freestyle program that gives participants a chance to examine themselves by doing practice according to their own schedules. Finally, once a year there is a special program in which former Templestay participants get together again, called Memories of Templestay. 
Your Templestay experience
Program : Geumsansa Regular Schedule | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 80000 -
- Golgulsa Temple
- Sunmudo
Sunmudo translates literally into the way of doing meditative martial arts. It emphasizes the harmony of body and mind through the awareness of one's breath. It is a traditional Korean Buddhist martial art that traces its origins back over a thousand years.
Soft and meditative Qi Gong movements that cultivates an awareness of our own internal energies, while leading us towards a greater sensitivity of the external energies flowing all around us.
A nurturing yoga sequence that opens the body while relaxing the mind.
The profound stillness of sitting meditation.
It's all Sunmudo, and at Golgulsa, you can savor a little bit of all of it.
At Golgulsa, we combine Sunmudo with all of the special moments of temple life: the unforgettable tones of early morning chanting; practicing walking meditation as the sun rises in the sky above you; exalting after finishing the 108th bow; the pleasantries of having a conversation with a Sunmudo master over tea; and the healthy simplicity of temple cuisine.
Golgulsa’s Templestay Program
Golgulsa is located amid the natural beauty of Hamwol Mountain, which is situated just outside of historic Gyeongju City.
We offer Templestay 365 days a year. Participants can stay for an afternoon, a night, or for many nights. It is also possible to stay for a month or more.
For more detailed information regarding our Templestay Program and Schedule, please see our English site (listed below). 
Your Templestay experience
Program : A Golgulsa Regular Schedule | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 50000Program : Healing Temple Stay with Grandmaster Jeog-Un | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 100000Program : 2013, Welcome Spring Templestay | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 50000Program : Looking for a relaxing nights rest? | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 30000Program : Relaxation Temple Stay | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 30000Program : Performance of Devas Guardians | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 10000Program : Long-term templestay guest | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 50000Program : Sunmudo Training for Gyeongju Locals | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 100000Program : Temple Life Program - Daytime visit | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 20000Program : Martial arts groups | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 50000Program : Instructor program | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 0 -
- Hwagyesa Temple
- Practice together with the foreign monks and nuns at….
Hwagyesa Temple is located deep in the foothills of Samgaksan Mountain, even while being close to the city center. It was founded in 1522 C.E. during the reign of Joseon King Jungjong, in the Buheodong region of Samgaksan, as the hermitage Bodeokam. Bodeokam was a hermitage founded during the beginning of the Goryeo Dynasty in the vicinity of the present Hwagyesa. Hwagyesa received a lot of support from the Joseon Dynasty royal family, particularly during the reign of King Gojong, when the Queen Mother and her retainers would frequent the temple, so it became known as the “Palace temple.” In addition, in 1933 a group of nine Korean literature scholars stayed at the temple for a conference to finalize the unified orthography of the Korean Hangul alphabet. But more than anything else, the name Hwagyesa is widely known due to the efforts of the Korean monk Ven. Seungsahn (1927-2004). The Ven. Seungsahn started living and practicing at Hwagyesa in the mid 1960’s. During his frequent world travels, he taught more than 50,000 disciples around the globe. There are more than 100 international monks and nuns who ordained under Ven. Seungsahn at Hwagyesa. During his lifetime Ven. Seungsahn came to be revered as a living Buddha, due to his incredible efforts and influence spreading the Dharma abroad. After he entered Nirvana in 2004, the mourners at his funeral and subsequent public cremation were predominantly international monks and nuns.Hwagyesa’s Templestay ProgramHwagyesa still has many international monks living and practicing there. If you participate in the Hwagyesa Templestay program, you can join in practice together with the International Zen Center monks for meditation, mountain hiking and drinking tea. Also, during the Gyeoljae period (three month meditation retreats every summer and winter), you can join the monastic formal meal together with the monks and nuns. There are also Dharma Talks in English every Sunday in the International Zen Center. Hwagyesa does not have the feel of being in a city, even though it is still technically located in Seoul. Once you pass through the Iljoomun (One Pillar Gate), another world unfolds before you. Whereas outside of the Iljoomun all the houses are tightly packed together, inside the temple gate, the forest lined road stretches into the distance. The sound of the water resonating from the valley below is yet another gift that welcomes the visitor. People often drop by the stream for a short time just to soak their feet. The practice of 3000 bows, held on the last Saturday evening of every month, is also very well-known. 
Your Templestay experience
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- Guinsa Temple
- Guinsa Temple, located on Mt. Sobaeksan, is the main temple of Korean Buddhist Cheontae Order. The temple serves as a religious center for 2 millions of Cheontae Buddhists who follow the Grand Patriarch Sangwol-Wongak. In addition, among the peaks magnificently lined up around Gukmangbong peak within Sobaeksan Mountains, the temple area lies beneath Yeonhwaji peak (Lotus Flower Area).The lotus-leaf shape of the area has given it its current name Yeonhwaji. The mysterious charm of the mountains has led to its reputation as a holy place of Mahayana Buddhism. The Grand Patriarch Sangwol-Wongak established a temple in Yeonhwaji. The mysterious charm of the mountains in 1945 as part of his vow to revive Buddhism, to protect the nation, and to save all beings. Guinsa Temple began when he designated it, 'Guinsa(Salvation and Kindness Temple), a place to save all sentient beings'. At this time, the Grand Patriarch built a tiny thatched hut with intertwined arrowroot vines. After a period of austere practice, he achieved a complete awakening. Having opened the door to the resplendent Dharma, his refined wisdom and integrity led him to accept numerous disciples. At present, Guinsa Temple, the head temple of Korean Buddhist Cheontae Order, had stretched itself as the biggest merciful and miraculous temple in Korea. It is also known to people as the miraculous and mystic praying retreat, and is even more famous because everyone's wishes come true well here.
Your Templestay experience
Program : Guinsa Templestay | Period :3day | Fee : KRW 60000Program : Guinsa Templestay | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 40000Program : Guinsa Templestay | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 40000Program : Guinsa Templestay | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 40000 -
- Mihwangsa Temple
- A beautiful temple in the village at land’s end…
Mihwangsa is an elegant temple located at the southernmost tip of the Korean Peninsula, in the so-called “Land’s End Village.” You can see at one time both the beautiful mountain Dalmasan and the cool, refreshing West Sea.
Mihwangsa was founded during the reign of Shilla King Gyeongdeok (749 C.E.), and the story of its foundation is quite interesting. One day a stone boat appeared in the sea in front of the village. People tried to approach the boat, but it would recede, and then when they pulled back and stood there, it came closer. When Ven. Uijo heard this news, he started chanting and praying, and the boat reached land safely. Inside the boat was a box made of gold and a black rock. The monk found a Buddha statue and sutras inside of the golden box, and when he broke open the rock, a black cow leapt out. That night, the monk saw a golden man in his dream, who told him that the boat had come from India, and that he should build a temple wherever the cow stopped.
The next day, the Buddha statue and sutras were loaded on the back of the cow, which started to climb up the foothills of Dalmasan. About halfway up, the cow loudly mooed, fell down and didn’t get up again. So the monk built a temple in that place and called it Mihwangsa. The name of the temple was taken from the cow’s beautiful (Mi) “Moo” sound, and from the golden man’s enchanting color (Hwang).
Mihwangsa is a temple as beautiful as its name. The rocky ridge of Dalmasan surrounds Mihwangsa, as if the landscape is from a panel on a folding screen. Also the glow of the setting sun, as seen at dusk from the temple, has been a wondrous sight for many people, since long ago. If you continue to walk towards the Budojeon (field of relic pagodas), you’ll find a good chance to look inside at yourself.Mihwangsa’s Templestay ProgramMihwangsa’s Templestay program is always open, 365 days a year, and offers a variety of special activities. For example, in the freestyle program called Sound of Silence, participants can enjoy tea and conversation with the monks, mountain hiking and, at any time, they are free to take a rest in nature. However, another program, called The Spirit of a True Person, is more systematically designed with practice as its central focus. The eight day schedule of this program gives the participant some experience of Seon Meditation. There is a Chinese character program that enables kids to make good use of their school holidays by learning about Chinese characters and the culture of a mountain temple. Also offered is a program called the Hwaeom Hwesang, which is designed for groups. Other programs, such as The Glow of the Evening Sun, Walking the Path of Dreams, display Mihwangsa’s beauty and feature the camellia flowers of winter and the azaleas in the spring. Every year in October, on the fourth Saturday of the month, a gigantic painting of the Buddha?only shown in public once a year?is displayed during a festival. This highly attended event also features a musical concert. Mihwangsa has prepared separate room facilities for people who are not used to community living arrangements. 
Your Templestay experience
Program : Mihwangsa Regular Schedule | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 50000 -
- Seonunsa Temple
- A place where the spirit of practice is even brighter than the crimson Camellia Flowers…
When the Camellia Flowers are blooming at Seonunsa, the place is packed with people. Since the flowers usually come out at the end of a long winter, when there is still snow on the ground, they are called “Winter Tree Flowers.” However, the exact time when the flower blooms differs from shrub to shrub and from region to region. While the Camellias at Seonunsa do indeed bloom in the winter, they don’t reach their peak until around the middle of April. So some people joke that the flowers shouldn’t be called Dongbaek (Winter Flowers) but Chunbaek (Spring Flowers).
Seonunsa was built during the reign of Baekjae King Wideok (577 C.E.) by Ven. Geomdan. The monk reformed a thief who lived in the valley and taught him how to earn his livelihood by roasting salt. In order to repay the monk’s kindness, the thief sent some roasted salt to the temple. The temple really prospered towards the end of the Joseon Dynasty, with 189 temple buildings and 89 different hermitages.
These days Seonunsa has 13 temple buildings remaining, including the central Daeoongbojeon (Main Buddha Hall). The temple buildings stand in a long line, with the Camellia shrub forest as their background. One of the most notable buildings is the Manseru, which was made of left-over lumber after the other buildings were built. The tree trunks were just left as they were, not trimmed at all, and used to make the columns and crossbeams of the building. If you make it to Seonunsa, you should also make the extra effort to visit the hermitage Dosolam on Dosolsan, the scenery is really well worth it.
Seonunsa’s Templestay ProgramSeonunsa runs regular two, three and four day templestay programs, featuring monastic formal meals, Dado (tea ceremony), and making Lotus Lanterns. Most programs are run on the weekends, but people who wish to take advantage of the freestyle templestay program can come during the week. Participants in the freestyle program are only required to attend community meals and evening chanting services. They can also have tea and talk with the monks if they wish.
Your Templestay experience
Program : Recuperation (open 365 days) | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 50000Program : Standard Program | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 120000 -
- Geumsunsa Temple
- With 600 years of history as a traditional Korean Buddhist Temple and the Great King Jeungjo’s place to pray for the birth of a prince, Geumsunsa is famous for its beautiful surrounding nature in the Mt. Bukhansan(Mt. Samgaksan in the old days)National Park, and it is a branch of Bum-eo sa Temple, the 14th parish of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It specializes as a concentrated SEON(Zen) meditation temple. Geumsunsa is located in Gukidong, Jongnogu, in front of Mt.Inwangsan, near the Blue House and Gyeongbokgung Palace, and only thirty minutes away from Gwanghwamoon Square. A mountain stream flows from Beebong Peak and Hyangrobong Peak in the Mt.Bukhansan National Park, passes under Hongyaekyo(Bridge of Nirvana) at the temple, and gives you the feel of the natural beauty of our temple, yet it is still located in the center of Seoul.
Your Templestay experience
Program : Geumsunsa Experiential templestay | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 50000Program : Relaxation Templestay | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 70000 -
- International Seon Center Temple
- ==== The International Seon Center ====
The International Seon Center is a Seon (Zen) meditation and Buddhist propogation training center as well as a learning facility for Buddhist cultural practices. The overall aim of the center is to promote awareness of the inherent value of Korean Buddhism and its practices to the global community. The center contains a templestay facility, a large prayer hall, and a culture and education center, and provides temple-stay programs, Seon lectures, traditional Buddhist temple cuisine cooking classes, tea ceremonies, and many other programs and activities which aim to provide a living experience of traditional Korean Buddhist culture. To cater for the needs of international visitors, Korean to English interpretation is provided throughout many of the center's activities. The center is continuously developing a residential temple stay and temple life program to offer direct experience of Korean Buddhist culture for both Koreans and international visitors. In order to further promote the practice of Seon meditation throughout the world, the center holds academic seminars, exchanges ideas with different religions, facilitates international study exchanges, and regularly holds forums on Buddhist studies.
With a mission to raise awareness of traditional Korean Buddhist culture, the first floor Buddhist Restaurant in the center offers traditional Buddhist temple cuisine. The restaurant teaches traditional recipes, the art of tea meditation and gives lectures on various aspects of Buddhist culture, therefore introducing new and innovative ways for the contemporary person to experience and learn more about Buddhism.
Here at the International Seon Center, the staff is fully committed to spreading the teachings and practices of Buddhism. Connecting with Buddhist centers globally, the international seon center is building a diverse and interconnected network in order to communicate and exchange ideas throughout the world.
=== Saturday Evening Dharma School ===
Participants: Open to all
Program Schedule: Every Saturday Evening
-19:00 ~ 19:20 : Introduction to Buddhism; Evening Chanting
-19:20 ~ 20:00 : Sitting Meditation (30 mins); Walking Meditation (10mins)
-20:20 ~ 20:50 : Dharma Talk; Q&A Session
Location: International Seon Center: Temple Stay Dharma Hall, 5th Floor
Cost: Free (Donations are gratefully welcomed)
Apart from Templestays, the Seon Center also offers Saturday evening meditation classes year-round with the purpose of helping individuals find peace within the hectic modern world. The program is conducted entirely in English and is open to beginners and advanced students alike.
For more details about templestays or the Saturday dharma school, please feel free to contact our international relations director: Kim, Yong Tae (010-5053-8819) 
Your Templestay experience
Program : International Seon Center Regular Schedule | Period :2day | Fee : KRW 50000
