Find Your Zen like BTS's RM: The Ultimate Guide to Korean Templestays (Seoul & Booking Tips)
The world of K-Pop never stops, and Seoul is a city that buzzes with relentless energy. But how do Koreans find their inner peace amidst it all? Just as BTS leader RM found a moment to recharge at a serene temple, you too can experience this profound sense of calm. Feeling lost about where to start with a Templestay? Don't worry. This guide will walk you through your first perfect journey into tranquility.
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Key Takeaways
- Idol's Retreat: Like BTS's RM, who famously visited Hwaeomsa Temple, many Koreans use templestays to heal their tired minds and bodies.
- Diverse Seoul Sanctuaries: From the urban temples of Bongeunsa and Jogyesa to the nature-focused Zen hub of Hwagyesa, Seoul offers a variety of templestay experiences.
- Easy Booking: The official Templestay website (eng.templestay.com) makes it simple for foreigners to reserve a spot.
- No Religion Required: A templestay is less a religious activity and more a cultural immersion program to experience traditional Korean Buddhist culture and look inward.
The Phenomenon: Why Templestay is Trending
From K-Pop idols to burnt-out city dwellers, why is everyone flocking to temples? The answer goes beyond religion, tapping into global trends of 'digital detox' and 'mindfulness.' After BTS's RM spent time at Hwaeomsa Temple, the practice gained massive attention from Hallyu fans as a uniquely Korean way to heal. It’s a chance to press pause on the competitive 'ppalli-ppalli' (hurry, hurry) culture and reconnect with oneself. This is the core appeal of a templestay for both modern Koreans and global visitors.
The Temple Gates Open: A Brief History
For centuries, Korean temples were sacred spaces reserved for the practice of Buddhist monks. That changed in 2002 during the FIFA World Cup, when the Templestay program was launched to offer international visitors a taste of the essence of Korean traditional culture. It was a massive success, and has since grown into one of Korea’s most cherished cultural experiences, transforming ancient temples into living museums that share history, wisdom, and a path to peace.
A Day in Your Templestay Life: What to Expect
So, what does a typical 24 hours at a temple look like? While programs vary, most follow a similar rhythm:
- Afternoon: Arrive, check-in, and change into your provided comfortable 'temple uniform'. You'll get a tour of the temple grounds.
- Evening: Enjoy a vegetarian temple dinner ('Baru Gongyang'), attend the evening chanting ceremony, and join a 'Dadam' (tea talk) with a monk.
- Night: Participate in 'Cham-seon' (Zen meditation) or 108 prostrations to clear the mind before sleeping.
- Dawn: Wake up to the sound of the moktak (wooden percussion instrument) for the pre-dawn chanting ceremony.
- Morning: Have breakfast, participate in 'Unryeok' (communal work like sweeping the grounds), and enjoy some free time before check-out.
Top Temple Recommendations Near Seoul:
Bongeunsa Temple: Located directly across from the COEX mall in Gangnam, its accessibility is unbelievable. It's the perfect place to find tranquility right in the city's modern heart.
Jogyesa Temple: As the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, it's situated near Insadong in central Seoul, making it easy to fit into any travel itinerary.
Hwagyesa Temple: Known as a 'Global Zen Hub' nestled at the foot of Bukhansan Mountain, this is the international heart of Zen Master Seung Sahn's teachings. If you want a systematic Zen meditation program in English, this is your best choice.
How to Book Your Stay:
All official bookings are handled through one user-friendly site: templestay.com.
1. Go to the website and click on the 'Reservation' tab.
2. Search by region (e.g., "Seoul") or temple name.
3. Choose a program type ('Experience-oriented' or 'Rest-oriented') and select your dates.
4. Fill in your personal details and complete the payment.
5. Check your email for a booking confirmation!
A Global Perspective: East Meets West in Mindfulness
While a Western 'silent retreat' or 'mindfulness workshop' often focuses on individual introspection, a Korean templestay emphasizes harmony within a community. You chant together, eat together, and work together. It's a process of discovering yourself within the context of 'we,' which offers a fascinating glimpse into the relationship-oriented nature of Korean culture. What this means for you is that a templestay is more than just a meditation session; it's a chance to feel the communal spirit that underpins Korean society.
Quick Explainer: Korean Temple Terms
Gongyang (공양): A temple meal. It's not just about filling your stomach; it's a practice of gratitude for the food and the effort of all beings involved in bringing it to you.
Cham-seon (참선): The primary form of Korean Buddhist meditation, similar to Zen meditation, aimed at calming the mind to find one's true nature.
Dadam (차담): A formal but relaxed tea time with a monk. It's a precious opportunity to ask questions about Buddhism, Korean culture, or life in general.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I have to be Buddhist to participate?
A: Not at all! Templestay is a cultural program open to people of all faiths and backgrounds.
Q: What if I don't speak any Korean?
A: No problem. Major temples popular with foreigners (like Bongeunsa, Jogyesa, and Hwagyesa) often have programs in English or staff who can assist you. You can check this on the booking website.
Q: What should I pack?
A: Just the essentials: a towel, personal toiletries, comfortable walking shoes, and a change of clothes. The temple provides the uniform you'll wear during your stay.
My Personal Take
For me, a templestay was an experience of 'filling' myself by 'emptying' my mind. The moment I put my smartphone away, breathed in the crisp pre-dawn air, and felt gratitude for a simple, nourishing meal, my cluttered thoughts became clear. I highly recommend that on your trip to Korea, alongside enjoying the dazzling world of K-culture, you take a day or two for a templestay. It reveals a different, deeper layer of the Korean soul. Just as RM did, give yourself the gift of a true recharge.
Sources
- Official Templestay Website (templestay.com)
- Native's Lived Experience
- Consolidated Korean news reports
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