First introduced during the recent World Cup season, Korea’s Temple Stay Program has now been extended indefinitely, due to its popularity with overseas visitors. The Temple Stay Program, which offers a unique opportunity for guests to experience first-hand the spiritual lives led by Korea’s Buddhist Nuns and Monks, is being offered at Naksansa Temple and Sinheungsa Temple in two and three-day programs. At the beginning of the comprehensive three-day program, visitors are introduced to temple life through a brief orientation, followed by a tea ceremony and a temple tour. Dinner, comprised of traditional temple vegetarian fare follows the tour, after which guests may participate in the optional evening ritual consisting of a “Sound Experience” featuring the ringing of the Buddhist Bells, and a 108 Bow Ritual. Another optional program, the Zen Meditation hour follows, which gives a brief overview on the principles behind Zen meditation. The day begins early, at 4 am, when a chorus of holy chanting takes place in the freshness of pre-dawn, followed by a refreshing walk through the morning mists. Plenty of opportunities for meditation will abound during the day, as well as the chance to visit other area temples. This program was spedifically designed for foreign visitors, and interpretation service is available in English, Japanese and Chinese.

Naksansa Temple and Sinheungsa Temple, which are some of the oldest temples in Korea, are known for their splendid scenery and fabulous vistas of the East Sea and Mt. Seoraksan. Naksansa Temple was constructed facing the East Sea and the sunrise is considered one of the eight best scenes of Mt. Naksan. Sinheungsa Temple houses Tongildaebul, the largest bronze statue of the seated Buddha, and beautiful paintings in the temple. A veritable bargain, the two-day program which includes accommodations, 3 meals and 7 programs costs just 30,000 won (about $23) and the three-day program, featuring 6 meals and 7 programs is just 60,000 win (about $46). More information on the Temple Stay Program is available by contacting the KNTO at 800/868-7567 or by visiting the KNTO website at www.tour2korea.com.