Temple Stay in Seoul: Finding Peace at Jogyesa & Gilsangsa Temples

 πŸ§˜‍♀️ Temple Stay in Seoul: Finding Peace at Jogyesa & Gilsangsa Temples

Experience Mindfulness, Meditation, and Korean Buddhist Culture

Looking for a meaningful escape right in the middle of Seoul? The answer may lie not in luxury spas or remote mountains—but in the tranquil temples nestled in the city’s heart and hills. With Temple Stay programs at Jogyesa Temple and Gilsangsa Temple, you can experience mindfulness, spiritual healing, and traditional Korean Buddhist culture—all without leaving the capital.

🧘 What Is a Temple Stay?

Temple Stay is a unique Korean cultural program that allows participants to experience life at a Buddhist temple. You can join monks in seon (Zen) meditation, participate in chanting ceremonies, perform 108 prostrations, and eat a traditional monastic meal (Baru Gongyang). Whether you're religious or simply curious, Temple Stay offers a powerful opportunity for spiritual reflection and inner peace.

πŸ“ Jogyesa Temple: Tranquility in the City Center

Located in the Insadong area of central Seoul, Jogyesa is the headquarters of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Despite being surrounded by shops and traffic, the temple grounds offer a quiet, meditative atmosphere with ancient trees, traditional architecture, and the scent of incense in the air.

🧘 Jogyesa Temple Stay Programs

✨ One-Day Experience

  • Guided temple tour

  • Seon meditation (Zen-style sitting)

  • Buddhist chanting ceremony

  • Lotus lantern craft or tea ceremony

✨ Overnight Temple Stay

  • Evening and morning chanting

  • Seon meditation

  • 108 prostrations with prayer bracelet making

  • Baru Gongyang: formal, silent Buddhist meal

  • Silent walking and journaling

πŸš‡ How to Get to Jogyesa Temple (By Public Transportation)

  • Subway Line 1 (Jonggak Station, Exit 2): Walk straight for about 3–5 minutes. Jogyesa is on your left.

  • Subway Line 3 (Anguk Station, Exit 6): Walk straight toward Insadong, then turn left. About a 7-minute walk.

  • Address: 55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

  • Tip: Use Naver Map or KakaoMap for accurate directions in English.

🌿 Gilsangsa Temple: Where Clarity Meets Fragrance

If Jogyesa is the peaceful heart of the city, Gilsangsa Temple is the serene soul of the forest. Nestled on the southern slope of Samgaksan Mountain, Gilsangsa is a temple that embodies the philosophy of clarity and fragrance—purity of the individual and the social echo of that purity.

Founded in 1997 through the extraordinary donation of KRW 100 billion by Kim Young-han (Gilsanghwa), who was inspired by Ven. Beopjeong’s philosophy of non-possession, the temple has become a symbol of generosity, spiritual reflection, and interfaith harmony.

✨ Gilsangsa Temple Stay Programs

  • 1-night, 2-day Temple Stay on the 3rd and 4th weekends of each month

  • Summer Zen Retreats (July & August) for kids, teens, and adults

  • Temple Life Programs (2–4 hours) including:

    • Meditation

    • Silent walking & nature therapy

    • Tea ceremony

    • Dharma talk or cultural experience

You don’t need to be a Buddhist to feel the temple’s peaceful atmosphere. Just walking quietly around the temple grounds can help clear your mind and calm your heart.

πŸš‡ How to Get to Gilsangsa Temple (By Public Transportation)

  • Subway Line 4 (Hanseong Univ. Station, Exit 6):

    - Take village bus Seongbuk 02 - Get off at the 9th stop, Gilsangsa

    - Take village bus Seongbuk 03, bus 1111, 1112, 2112 - Get off at the 5th stop, Seongbuk-gu Art Museum, Ssangdari-ap - Go straight along the main road, 10 minutes on foot to Gilsangsa

  • Address: 68 Seonjam-ro 5-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

  • Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes—the last 5–10 minutes involve an uphill walk through a quiet residential area.

🍽️ A Highlight: Baru Gongyang (Monastic Meal)

One of the most memorable aspects of a Temple Stay is Baru Gongyang, the formal meal practiced by Buddhist monks. It teaches:

  • Mindfulness: Eat in silence and savor each bite.

  • Gratitude: Reflect on where the food came from.

  • Zero-waste living: Clean your bowl with a radish slice—nothing is wasted.

It’s not just a meal, but a meditation in action.

πŸ•Š️ Open to All – A Space for Unity

Gilsangsa Temple is also known for its interfaith efforts. In 1997, Catholic Cardinal Kim Sou-hwan gave the opening blessing. The temple grounds also feature:

  • Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva statue by Catholic sculptor Choi Jong-tae

  • Seven-story stone pagoda donated by Christian businessman Baek Seong-hak

This reflects Gilsangsa’s role as a spiritual space for all people, regardless of religion or background.

🌸 Why Try Temple Stay in Seoul?

  • ✅ A rare digital detox in the heart of a tech-savvy city

  • ✅ Mental rest and emotional reset through guided meditation and nature

  • ✅ Cultural education about Korean Buddhism and traditions

  • ✅ Connection with your inner self and with others who seek the same

Temple Stay programs are open to foreigners, solo travelers, families, and locals looking for rest, healing, or inspiration.

πŸ“ How to Book Your Temple Stay

You can reserve a spot at Jogyesa or Gilsangsa through the official Temple Stay website:
🌐 https://eng.templestay.com

You can also contact the temples directly for information in English. Programs tend to fill up quickly during weekends and holidays, so book in advance!

πŸ“· Tips Before You Go

  • Bring comfortable clothes for sitting and walking.

  • Turn your phone off or on silent—this is a digital-free zone.

  • Open your heart and mind—whether you’re religious or not, the experience is meaningful.

  • Take your time exploring the temple grounds, forest trails, and meditation halls.

🌟 Final Thoughts

In the bustling rhythm of Seoul, you’ll find these unexpected sanctuaries of peace. Whether it’s the centrally located Jogyesa or the serene mountain retreat of Gilsangsa, Temple Stay offers not just a travel experience—but a life experience.

Reconnect with yourself. Breathe. Be still.
Come find your peace in the heart of Seoul.

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