A Templestay (템플스테이) lets you live like a monk for a day or overnight at a Korean Buddhist temple — eating vegetarian meals, practising meditation, joining the dawn bell-ringing, and sleeping in the monks’ quarters. Busan has two temples running English-friendly programs: Beomeosa on Geumjeongsan mountain and Haedong Yonggungsa on the sea cliffs. Here is exactly how to book one, what to expect, and whether it is right for you.
Last updated: June 2026. Prices and schedules below are as of publication — confirm current availability and fees on the official Templestay website before booking.
What is a Templestay?
A Templestay is a government-supported cultural immersion program run by Korean Buddhist temples, open to anyone regardless of religion. It was established in 2002 ahead of the FIFA World Cup to provide short-term cultural experiences for visitors. Most programs run overnight (1–2 nights) and include temple food, a morning and/or evening service (예불, yebul), seated meditation (참선, chamseon), a tea ceremony, and sometimes a walking meditation, bead-making, or lantern-making session.
What types of Templestay programs are available?
There are three main program types — choose based on how structured you want the experience to be.
| Type | Duration | Schedule | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overnight Stay | 1 night (check-in afternoon, check-out after breakfast) | Full program: meditation, service, meals, dharma talk | ₩50,000–90,000 | Full immersion, first-timers wanting structure |
| Day Experience | 3–5 hours | Selected activities: meditation, tea, craft | ₩20,000–50,000 | Time-limited visitors, families with children |
| Self-directed | Flexible (days to weeks) | Temple routine, personal retreat | Varies | Experienced meditators, long stays |
Where can I do a Templestay in Busan?
Beomeosa Temple (범어사) is Busan’s primary Templestay venue — a large, historically important mountain monastery on Geumjeongsan with ongoing overnight and day programs. The mountain forest setting makes the dawn walk to the main hall particularly atmospheric. Metro Line 1 → Beomeosa Station, then Bus 90 up the mountain.
Haedong Yonggungsa (해동용궁사) — the famous sea-cliff temple in Gijang occasionally runs programs; availability is more limited than Beomeosa. Check the official site for current schedule. The oceanfront location makes it unique.
How do I book a Templestay?
Book through the official Templestay website (templestay.com) — the central booking platform for all participating temples in Korea, available in English. You can also contact individual temples directly. Steps:
- Go to templestay.com → select Busan in the region filter.
- Choose your temple and program type (overnight / day / self-directed).
- Select your dates — availability is calendar-based and fills fast in spring and autumn.
- Complete registration and pay online (Korean credit cards work; international cards depend on the temple’s payment system — email the temple directly if online payment fails).
- Receive a confirmation email with arrival instructions.
Tip: contact the temple by email if you have specific questions (language support, dietary needs, what to bring). Most large temples like Beomeosa have English-speaking staff or email support.
What is the daily schedule like?
A typical overnight Templestay schedule starts in the afternoon and ends after a simple breakfast the next morning. The dawn wake-up is the biggest adjustment for most visitors — but it is also the most memorable part.
- 15:00–17:00: Arrival, room assignment, orientation and robes issued
- 17:30: Evening service (저녁 예불) — wooden drum, bronze bell, chanting
- 18:00: Temple dinner (발우공양) — silent, communal, vegetarian
- 19:30: Seated meditation (참선) session
- 21:00: Lights out
- 03:00–04:00: Dawn service (새벽 예불) — bell tower, main hall service
- 06:00: Morning temple food breakfast
- 08:00–09:00: Optional activity (bead-making, walking meditation, tea ceremony)
- 09:30–10:00: Check-out
What should I bring to a Templestay?
- Loose, comfortable clothing in subdued colours (the temple provides robes for the program, but you wear your own clothes at other times).
- Personal toiletries (soap, toothbrush — basics provided at some temples but not all).
- Warm layer — stone temple buildings are cold at night, especially in spring and autumn.
- Slip-on shoes for easy removal when entering halls.
- Open mind. You do not need to be Buddhist; participation is respectful observation and personal reflection, never mandatory worship.
FAQ
Do I have to be Buddhist to do a Templestay?
No. Templestay is explicitly open to all nationalities and religions. The program is presented as a cultural experience; you observe and participate at whatever level you are comfortable with. You are never required to pray or perform religious rituals.
Is the food vegetarian?
Yes — temple food (사찰음식, sachal eumsik) is entirely vegetarian, typically without garlic, onions or pungent vegetables (the five forbidden vegetables of Korean Buddhism). It is simple, nutritious, and eaten in silence. Many visitors find it unexpectedly delicious. Inform the temple in advance of serious food allergies.
How much does a Templestay cost?
Overnight programs at Beomeosa typically cost ₩50,000–90,000 per person (as of 2026; confirm on templestay.com). Day programs run ₩20,000–50,000. The price includes accommodation, all meals, and the program — it is very good value for a fully catered overnight cultural experience.
When is the best time to do a Templestay in Busan?
Spring (April–May, cherry blossoms at Beomeosa) and autumn (October–November, maple foliage) are the most visually dramatic and the most popular — book 3–4 weeks ahead during these periods. Summer is hot but less crowded. Winter is cold but peaceful and atmospheric; the dawn service in winter frost is memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do I need to wake up for a Templestay?
The dawn service typically starts around 3:00–4:00 AM, which is the biggest adjustment for most visitors. However, this early morning bell-ringing and service is considered the most memorable and atmospheric part of the experience, especially at mountain temples where you walk through the forest to the main hall.
How much does a Templestay in Busan cost?
Overnight stays typically range from around ₩50,000–90,000, while shorter day experiences (3–5 hours) cost roughly ₩20,000–50,000. Prices vary by temple and season, so check the official Templestay website (templestay.com) for current rates and confirm before booking, especially during peak seasons like spring and autumn.
Which temple in Busan is best for first-time visitors?
Beomeosa Temple on Geumjeongsan mountain is Busan's primary Templestay venue and offers the most frequent English-friendly overnight and day programs. Its large monastery setting with forest walks makes it ideal for first-timers wanting a structured experience, though Haedong Yonggungsa offers a unique oceanfront location if you prefer a seaside setting.
Can I do a Templestay if I'm not Buddhist?
Yes, Templestay is open to anyone regardless of religion—it's a government-supported cultural immersion program established in 2002. You don't need any meditation experience; day experiences and overnight programs are designed to introduce both beginners and experienced practitioners to Buddhist temple life.
What should I expect to eat during a Templestay?
All meals are vegetarian temple food (발우공양), including a simple communal dinner eaten in silence and a basic breakfast before checkout. The meal format is traditional and part of the cultural immersion, so come with an open mind about dietary accommodations—contact the temple directly when booking if you have specific dietary needs or concerns.
Explore more Korea Go Now guides
- Before your Templestay, understand what you’ll see: Korean Buddhist temples guide.
- The temple in detail: Beomeosa Temple complete guide.
- The sea-cliff temple option: Haedong Yonggungsa guide.
- Plan the wider trip: best time to visit Korea.