Experience Inner Peace at Traditional Temples in Seoul, South Korea
It’s 4am and the rhythmic beats of the traditional wooden hand drum, or moktak, resonate throughout the temple pavilion. This gentle wake-up call is followed by the resounding clang of a bell and the synchronized striking of an enormous drum, wooden fish, and a cloud-shaped gong by the monks, ensuring salvation for all living beings. The cacophonous symphony cannot be silenced with a simple press of the snooze button. It is my signal to rise from the futon on the floor of my modest room and join the monks in their morning chanting ceremony.
The temple, known as Jogyesa, is the central temple of Korean Buddhism and is one of nearly 1,000 traditional temples spread across the country. Today, 27 of these temples offer “templestay” programs, allowing English-speaking visitors to immerse themselves in the authentic culture of South Korea. Rates typically start at around $60 per person per night.
The monasteries are attracting more overnight guests who seek a sense of inner peace, often as an addition to a conventional holiday or for longer stays. The templestay program provides an antidote to the hustle and bustle of Seoul, the buzzing capital of South Korea, known more for its K-pop and K-dramas than its traditions. Despite being surrounded by skyscrapers and modernity, these temples offer a tranquil respite.
During the templestay program, guests participate in the monks’ daily routine, including morning and evening chanting, tea ceremonies, and meditation. Guests can also meditate in their en suite rooms, which offer stunning views of the courtyard. The meals provided are vegetarian, accompanied by water, as alcohol is prohibited. The food is delicious and it is customary to finish everything on your plate.
After a fulfilling meal, guests engage in the unique practice of 108 prostrations. This is a form of meditation in motion that humbles the ego and helps one realize their true self. Each prostration is accompanied by a different prayer, and it becomes increasingly challenging as the numbers ascend. Despite the physical exertion, there is a profound sense of accomplishment.
For those seeking further tranquility, the journey continues to Golgulsa Temple, located in the hills. This temple offers the practice of sunmudo, a martial art combined with meditation, yoga, and chi qong. The training has been passed down from monk to monk for centuries and is now practiced globally. Guests can try their hand at sunmudo as part of their templestay experience.
The final stop on this temple tour is Beopjusa, a mountain monastery nestled in the Songnisan national park. This sprawling temple, adorned with a five-storey wooden pagoda and a magnificent 33-meter bronze Buddha, offers breathtaking hiking trails to 1,000-meter peaks enveloped in lush forests. The serenity and beauty of this temple create an elevated state of mind.
Immerse yourself in the rich traditions and inner peace of South Korea’s traditional temples by embarking on a templestay journey. Discover the slow lane, find stillness of mind, and experience the captivating blend of culture, history, and spirituality.
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