An Unforgettable Temple Stay Experience – Finding Peace in Korea > Activities

If you’re looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and find some inner peace, I highly recommend trying a temple stay! I recently experienced a 2-day, 1-night temple stay at a temple in Gangwon Province with a friend, and it turned out to be a much more meaningful and healing experience than I expected.

A temple stay isn’t just about staying at a temple—it includes a variety of programs such as meditation, 108 prostrations, tea time with monks, and trying temple food. At first, the 108 prostrations felt really tough, but once I finished, I felt surprisingly refreshed and lighter. The natural, plant-based temple food was also an amazing experience, making me feel both physically and mentally healthier.

One of the most memorable moments was waking up early in the morning and meditating in the temple courtyard. The only sounds I could hear were birds chirping and the wind rustling through the trees—it was a peacefulness I could never experience in the city. This rare moment of tranquility left such a deep impression on me that I definitely want to experience it again.

If you’re feeling stressed or looking for a way to reset your mind, I highly recommend giving a temple stay a try! Each temple offers slightly different programs, so finding one that suits you is key. Have any of you ever tried a temple stay? I’d love to hear about your experiences!