Korea Tourism Organization is proud to promote the Korea Temple Stay program, an experience designed to help people understand Korean Buddhism. The temple stay offers a visitor a real life view into the Buddhist lifestyle. A visitor will get the opportunity to experience the Dharma ceremony in the morning to traditional dinners with Buddhist monks in the evening.

According to a recent New York Times piece “In South Korea, Immersion in Buddhist Austerity”, Catherine Price, the author, immersed herself in a typical Korean cultural event, a Buddhist temple stay. “The program aims to allow visitors to sample ordained lifestyles and experience the mental training and cultural experience of Korea’s ancient Buddhist tradition”. A person visiting a Buddhist temple should not expect the comforts of home or access to the internet; instead they should expect a simple pair of paints and vests, along with sun hats and blue plastic slippers.

Based on Price’s article, a guest will find many activities to choose from. These activities range from walking meditations through temple grounds, calligraphy practice, a traditional Buddhist meal ceremony, stone rubbings and beautiful hikes. Most temples are within a few hours drive from Seoul. A visitor can also use public transportation to visit the various Buddhist Temples. For information on the Buddhist Temple Stay programs please contact Korea Tourism Organization at 201-585-0909