Temple Stays in Seoul: A Unique Korean Cultural Experience Amidst the City's Serenity

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Geumseonsa (source : 2016 TEMPLE STAY)


Temple Stay is a traditional cultural experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the life of a practitioner, while exploring Korea’s Buddhist history and culture. If you're looking for a way to escape your busy routine and find true tranquility, temple stay programs offer an extraordinary opportunity to do just that. What makes these experiences even more special is that you don’t have to travel far to enjoy them—Seoul offers the perfect setting for a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

The following temple stay programs in Seoul's temples provide a unique chance to experience the calmness of nature, all while reflecting on your inner self. You can enjoy the beauty of nature and the serenity of a temple without needing to leave the bustling city. These temple stays are a wonderful way to experience Korea’s rich traditions and spiritual practices while also finding time for personal reflection and relaxation.


1. Geumseonsa Temple Stay

Located in the heart of Seoul, Geumseonsa is a temple with a direct view of the Blue House and Gyeongbokgung Palace, nestled on the scenic slopes of Inwang Mountain. This temple offers a weekend program that features "Singing Bowl Meditation and Tea Ceremony with Monks." During this experience, guests can participate in a meditative session with the healing sounds of a singing bowl, listen to soothing guitar music, and enjoy a peaceful tea ceremony with the monks. Other activities include temple tours, bell ringing, prayer rituals, making prayer beads, and time for self-reflection.

  • Program Name: Singing Bowl Meditation and Tea Ceremony with Monks

  • Location: 137, Bibong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

  • Cost: 80,000 KRW for adults, 70,000 KRW for middle and high school students, 50,000 KRW for children


2. Hwaseongsa Temple Stay

Founded in 1522, Hwaseongsa Temple is known for its tranquil location on the slopes of Baegundae, a peak in Bukhansan. The temple stay experience here, titled "Only Know," is offered as a 1-night, 2-day program and takes place on weekends. During the stay, visitors can enjoy guided meditation walks along Bukhansan's trail, participate in temple tours, learn about prayer rituals, and engage in a variety of meditation practices. Other activities include making 108 prostrations and prayer beads, as well as tea ceremonies with the monks.

  • Program Name: Only Know

  • Location: 117 Hwaseongsa-gil, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul

  • Cost: 60,000 KRW for adults


3. Sukguksa Temple Stay

Sukguksa is a historic temple located in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, with a rich legacy dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. Originally, this temple was part of the royal mausoleum and served as a place of worship. Today, Sukguksa offers a relaxing weekend temple stay titled "A Gift to Myself—1 Night, 2 Days." This peaceful retreat focuses on wellness through meditation and the healing power of nature. Activities include temple and grounds tours, prayer rituals, and a night walk under the stars, all designed to help guests relax and reconnect with their inner selves.

  • Program Name: A Gift to Myself—1 Night, 2 Days

  • Location: 8-5, Seoo-rung-ro 23-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul

  • Cost: 60,000 KRW for adults and children



4. Bongeunsa Temple Stay

Bongeunsa Temple, located in the heart of Gangnam, is one of Seoul's oldest temples with a history spanning over 1,200 years. Founded by the monk Yeonhui in the 10th year of King Wonseong of Silla, Bongeunsa has been a key site in the revival of Buddhism in Korea. Bongeunsa offers a weekend program called "Meditation Walks and Tea with the Monks," where guests can learn about temple etiquette, experience tea ceremonies, and enjoy peaceful walks through the temple’s tranquil grounds.

  • Program Name: Meditation Walks and Tea with the Monks

  • Location: 531, Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

  • Cost: 90,000 KRW for adults and children



So far, we have explored several temple stay programs in the heart of Seoul. Each of these experiences offers a unique opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature and inner peace. Whether you’re looking for a spiritual retreat or just need a break from your busy routine, these temple stays provide the perfect escape. If you need a moment of rest and tranquility, we highly recommend joining one of these programs and experiencing the deep, meditative atmosphere of Korea’s temple life.


* Temple Stay reservation site : https://www.templestay.com/en/main/view.do