Find Your Peace in Korea: Temple Stay Experience Guide

Find Your Peace in Korea: Temple Stay Experience Guide


Traditional Korean temple at dusk with calm surroundings
Image Source: Pixabay (Korean Temple at Sunset)

One summer, feeling burnt out from parenting and everyday life, I decided to try a temple stay at a local temple near Changwon with my child. I thought it might be a good cultural experience for the little one, but in the end, my partner and I were the ones who came back truly healed.

Even though it was hard to fully concentrate on meditation with a child around—whispers during silent meals, playful distractions during 108 bows—something about the slowness and calm of that space gently melted away our stress.


Why Gen Z is Choosing Silence Over Parties

Today’s Gen Z travelers, especially in the U.S., are shifting away from noisy, flashy experiences. Instead, they’re looking for ways to unplug, slow down, and reconnect with themselves. Temple stays in Korea, known for their quiet ambiance and deep cultural roots, are gaining popularity among this group. You’ll see hashtags like #mindfultravel and #healingKorea all over social media.

And yes—foreigners can absolutely participate. You can book directly in English at eng.templestay.com, and many temples offer English-friendly programs. Most accept overseas cards, too.


JustBe Temple in Hongdae – Urban Calm

If you're short on time or want a softer introduction to temple culture, JustBe Temple in Hongdae is a great option. Nestled in the vibrant youth district of Seoul, it’s surprisingly peaceful and foreigner-friendly.

Pricing

  • Group Room Stay: ₩50,000 (~$38)
  • Private Room Stay: ₩70,000 (~$53)
  • Yoga Programs (Yin/Nature/Zen Tai Chi): ₩20,000–₩30,000
  • Some meditation programs: Free or donation-based

Sample Weekly Schedule (Tuesday)

  • 06:00 – Morning Meditation (5F)
  • 07:30 – Breakfast (B1F)
  • 09:30 – Coffee Meditation (1F) – Free donation
  • 12:00 – Youth Lunch (B1F)
  • 14:00 – Private Meditation (5F)
  • 16:30 – Yin Yoga (₩20,000)
  • 18:30 – Evening Ceremony
  • 20:00 – Sound or Candle Meditation / Nature Yoga / Zen Tai Chi

📍 Address: 8-3 Sinchon-ro 3-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (5 min from Hongdae Station Exit )


Prefer Nature Over City? Try These Temples

  • Geumsunsa (금선사) – nestled deep in Bukhansan, ideal for real forest meditation
  • Hwagyesa (화계사) – located in northern Seoul, quiet and peaceful
  • Bongunsa (봉은사) – in the heart of Gangnam, accessible and beginner-friendly
  • Sujongsa (수종사) – river view + peaceful mountains in Yangpyeong

Who Should Try Temple Stay?

  • 👨‍👩‍👧 Parents looking for a peaceful family experience
  • 🧘 Travelers who want quiet time away from city noise
  • 🌿 Friends looking to create a meaningful memory together

Final Thoughts

A temple stay isn’t just about sleeping at a temple. It’s about time—time for yourself, for quiet conversations, and for reconnecting with nature. If you’re planning a trip to Korea, and want something more meaningful than shopping or sightseeing, this might be the experience that stays with you long after you return.

Looking to make a special memory with friends or family? A temple stay could be the peaceful retreat you didn’t know you needed.

If there's anything you're curious about Korea, feel free to leave a comment. I'd be happy to do some research and write a future post about it!

Location: 대한민국

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