Home > Templestay Guide > About Templestay To play leading active role in the cultural age of the 21st century, the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism's Templestay Division concentrates activities on traditional cultural affairs and on the development and fostering of resources. The division is making rapid progress in fulfilling this role on the basis of Korean Buddhism's history and cultural resources, both tangible and intangible. In particular, through the Templestay program, the Templestay Division offers participants the opportunity to experience traditional Korean Buddhist culture. Simultaneously, the program provides a solid foundation for the popularization and appreciation of traditional culture in daily life. Currently there are 43 temples participating in the program nationwide. Basic 24-hour program (including one overnight) can be simplified to half-day program (3.5 hours), or extended to 3- and 4-day experiences. Six temples are always open to individual participants while groups may make reservations at any temple all year long. Most temples participating in the program are all located either in National or Provincial parks which feature well preserved natural environments. Thus, the program provides participants with a magnificent chance to relax, reflect and revitalize themselves in the tranquility of nature. Major activities in the program include: attending the Buddhist ceremonial service; Seon(Zen) meditation; tea ceremonies that elevate one's mediative efforts; Buddhist meal with traditional bowls; community work around the temple grounds; informative tours around the temple grounds; forest meditation to maximize oneness with nature; and hikes to nearby hermitages. Some temples offer special training programs in Seon (Zen) meditation and Buddhist martial arts, lotus lantern making, prayer bead(rosary) making, various rubbings including wooden blocks, and tombstones, and other activities. You'll come back home richer at heart, more fully alive, more fully awake, more fully at peace. Templestay. You'll hate to leave.