Lately, I felt like burnout was creeping in. Even after hopping between pretty cafes or treating myself to staycations on the weekends, I still felt a lingering sense of emptiness. I desperately wanted a “real break”—to completely disconnect from smartphone alarms and the endless flood of messages. So, on a whim, I booked a 1-Night, 2-Day Temple Stay.
Since it was my first time doing a temple stay, I arrived at the temple with a mix of excitement and worry. But the moment I stepped inside, I couldn’t believe my eyes. I literally thought, “Wait, am I still in Korea?” because there were so many foreign participants!
After spending a night mingling with them and experiencing the tranquil temple life, I immediately understood why people from all over the world seek out Korean temple stays. Here is my completely honest review of how I emptied my cluttered mind and found inner peace, and why I highly recommend it.
1. Is it a strict religious event? NO! Think of it as a Global ‘Mind Spa’
To be honest, my biggest hesitation before going was, “What if it’s too religious?” I’m not a Buddhist myself, so I was a bit worried.
But once I experienced it, I realized the focus wasn’t on forcing religious beliefs at all. Instead, it was all about Mindfulness and Mental Detox. Programs like chanting or the 108 prostrations (bows) were completely optional. You only participate if you want to.
This is exactly why so many foreigners love it. For them, a temple stay isn’t a religious ritual; it’s more like an ‘Oriental Mind Spa’ enjoyed deep within Korea’s beautiful nature. Watching people from different countries sitting cross-legged, eyes closed in deep meditation, made me realize that the desire to find inner peace is truly universal.
2. Highlights of My 1N2D Experience (The Good & The Challenging)
The healing started the moment I unpacked my bags and changed into the temple uniform. (The pants were so incredibly baggy and comfortable that I honestly didn’t want to take them off when it was time to go home!)
The absolute highlight for me was the ‘Tea Time with the Monk’ after dinner. We sat in a circle drinking warm lotus tea and sharing our worries.
One foreigner, mixing broken Korean and English, asked the monk how to handle the severe stress of living in a hyper-competitive society. As the monk answered with a gentle, calming smile, I felt strangely comforted. It was a beautiful reminder that despite our different nationalities, our human struggles are remarkably similar. With my phone turned completely off, just focusing on the aroma of the tea, the tension headache I’d had for weeks finally washed away.
Now, let me be honest about a few challenging (and slightly panic-inducing) moments. Naturally, there is absolutely zero meat on the menu! When I saw the buffet spread of wild greens and tofu on the first night, I had a moment of panic, wondering, “What if I get hungry in the middle of the night?” But surprisingly, the lightly seasoned mountain veggies tasted sweeter the more I chewed. It was the ultimate ‘clean eating’ diet that left my stomach feeling incredibly comfortable.
Also, waking up at 4:30 AM the next morning was… tough, I won’t lie. However, waking up not to a blaring smartphone alarm, but to the gentle, rhythmic sound of a wooden moktak (temple block) echoing through the crisp, dawn air was an unforgettable, refreshing experience.
3. Want to recommend this to a foreign friend? (Booking Tips)
After this trip, I made a promise to myself: if any foreign friends visit Korea, I am taking them to a temple stay instead of the usual crowded streets of Myeongdong or Hongdae.
If you are recommending this to a foreign friend (or booking it for them), definitely use the official English website. You can easily filter the search to show only English-speaking programs.
Nowadays, many temples have English-speaking monks or volunteer interpreters, so even if visitors don’t speak a word of Korean, they can perfectly experience everything from temple etiquette to deep meditation.
4. Essential Packing List
Pack light, but do NOT forget these three things!
- Slip-on Shoes (e.g., Crocs, loafers): You have to take your shoes off and put them back on every time you enter a temple hall or your room. Lace-up sneakers will drive you crazy!
- Personal Toiletries & Towel: For environmental protection reasons, most temples do not provide disposable amenities or towels.
- Layers of Clothing: Even in summer, the mountains get quite chilly in the mornings and evenings.
I highly recommend packing a few thin layers you can easily put on or take off.
Wrapping Up: When You Need a Pause in Life
Sometimes, we just need to completely step away from the noise and chaotic environments that surround us and focus entirely on ‘ourselves’.
Seeing people travel from across the globe to find such deep peace in just one night made me realize how much we, living right here in Korea, take this amazing experience for granted. If you’re exhausted from the same daily routine, or if you just want to empty a mind full of stressful thoughts, why not escape to a quiet mountain temple this weekend? I couldn’t recommend it more!
💡 Quick Summary & Tips
- A perfect mind-detox experience with zero religious pressure!
- A global healing spot loved by foreigners (Make it your #1 recommendation for visiting friends).
- Seriously, wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off!
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Do I need to speak Korean to participate?
- A: Not at all! If you book through the official website, you can easily find programs conducted entirely in English. Many major temples have English-speaking monks or dedicated volunteer interpreters.
- A: Not at all! If you book through the official website, you can easily find programs conducted entirely in English. Many major temples have English-speaking monks or dedicated volunteer interpreters.
- Q: Do I have to do the 108 bows? I’m worried it will be too physically demanding.
- A: Nope! The 108 bows (prostrations) and even the early morning chanting sessions are usually optional, especially in the “relaxation-focused” (휴식형) programs. You can simply sit quietly, meditate, or rest in your room if you prefer.
- A: Nope! The 108 bows (prostrations) and even the early morning chanting sessions are usually optional, especially in the “relaxation-focused” (휴식형) programs. You can simply sit quietly, meditate, or rest in your room if you prefer.
- Q: Am I allowed to use my phone?
- A: You are allowed to keep your phone, but you are strongly encouraged to put it on silent or airplane mode. The whole point is to digitally detox and enjoy the silence! (Also, ringing phones are a big faux pas inside the temple halls).
- A: You are allowed to keep your phone, but you are strongly encouraged to put it on silent or airplane mode. The whole point is to digitally detox and enjoy the silence! (Also, ringing phones are a big faux pas inside the temple halls).
- Q: What if I have dietary restrictions?
- A: Traditional Korean temple food is naturally vegan (no meat, seafood, or dairy) and avoids the five pungent vegetables (like garlic and green onions). It’s incredibly healthy and suitable for most dietary restrictions.