Templestay in Korea: How to Book and What to Expect

A Templestay is an overnight stay at a Korean Buddhist temple where you join the daily routine, and you book it through the official Templestay website, templestay.com. The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) lists 27 temples with regular programs for international visitors, 7 of them in Seoul (KTO page last updated October 28, 2025). Prices are set by each temple, so the number below is one example, not a standard rate.

1. What a program includes

KTO says a Templestay generally includes a Buddhist service, seon (Zen) meditation, the 108 prostrations and communal work. Some programs also teach monastic meal offerings and tea ceremony rituals, and lotus lantern making is another common activity. KTO describes the stay as a chance to experience Korean Buddhism, its daily lifestyle and rituals, and to eat temple food, which is vegetarian.

A real schedule helps set expectations. The spring 2026 program at Guinsa Temple in Danyang, as posted on the reservation page, ran like this:

• Day 1: check-in 12:30 to 13:30, orientation at 14:00, bead making, a silent temple tour, an evening ceremony at 17:00, and a temple-meal dinner at 18:00.
• Day 2: wake-up practice at 03:25, morning ceremony at 04:00, breakfast at 06:20, a nature stroll from 08:40, and check-out between 10:30 and 11:00.

The page notes that the schedule may change depending on circumstances. Other temples run different timetables, so read the one for the program you book.

2. How much it costs

The Guinsa page lists 70,000 won per night for adults, teenagers and children, with preschool children at 0 won. That program operated from March 1 to June 30, 2026, and reservations were open until 2 days before the start date. Treat it as a single data point from one temple. Temples set their own prices and programs, so compare the price list on each program page before you book.

3. How to book

1. Open the reservation list on templestay.com (it has an English version) and pick a temple and program.
2. Reserve on the program page. You can sign in or continue as a guest.
3. Keep your booking name, participation date and temple name handy. The FAQ says some temples do not send a confirmation letter, and that you can email support@templestay.com or the temple to confirm, using those three details.

You do not need to bring a confirmation letter, because every temple keeps its own reservation list, according to the FAQ.

KTO also lists a Templestay Information Center in Seoul, near Jogyesa Temple, with phone inquiries at +82-2-2031-2000 in Korean and English. KTO's page was last updated on October 28, 2025 and said the center was closed temporarily until December 31, 2025, so check its status before visiting. Reservations can be made through the website in any case.

4. Changing or cancelling

The FAQ says to contact the temple you booked directly, or email support@templestay.com. Some dates are unavailable because of the temple's schedule, so check the calendar on the website before asking to change a date.

5. Rooms and rules

• Shared rooms are the norm. The FAQ explains that temple life is communal, so you are welcome to share a room with others. Some temples offer private rooms for 2 to 4 people through an "option pay," with a fee added per person.
• Men and women do not share a room. The FAQ says the temple is a holy place for practice, so couples cannot stay together in the same room.
• You can skip programs. If you feel unwell or tired, you can rest in your room. Tell the staff that you do not want to join an activity.
• Longer stays are possible. By combining experiential and freestyle programs you can stay more than two days. The maximum varies by temple but usually lasts ten days, according to the FAQ.

6. What to bring

The FAQ lists towels, toiletries, underwear, socks, a change of clothes and a hair dryer. Most temples provide only soap, toothpaste and a temple uniform (a vest and pants). It also warns that mountain monasteries can be much colder than expected, so pack a jacket, sweater or pullover in winter.

7. Choosing a temple

KTO groups its list by region, including temples in Seoul such as Bongeunsa, Jogyesa and Hwagyesa, and others in Gangwon, Gyeongsang, Jeolla and on Jeju. The FAQ also points to temples near national parks and mountains, such as Seonunsa, Hwaeomsa, Seoraksan Sinheungsa, Donghwasa, Yakchunsa, Beomeosa and Geumsansa, for travelers who want walking in nature. It names Golgulsa for Sunmudo, an active meditation practice with martial arts movements.

8. Key takeaways

• Book through templestay.com; KTO lists 27 temples with regular programs for visitors.
• Prices vary by temple. One spring 2026 program charged 70,000 won per night.
• Expect an early start, vegetarian temple meals and shared rooms; men and women are housed separately.
• You may skip activities if you are unwell or tired.
• Bring towels, toiletries, a change of clothes and warm layers for cold months; temples supply soap, toothpaste and a uniform.
• Cancel or change by contacting the temple or support@templestay.com.