After hearing some co-workers discussing their weekend at a Korean Temple, I decided to go ahead and book a stay for myself. A Korean Templestay is a cultural program which lets participants spend a night or two in a Buddhist temple. The Templestay program was designed to allow foreigners to learn more about Buddhism, by experiencing the daily life of a monk. After indulging in one bottle of Soju too many (ohh.. Hongdae), I thought a weekend detox at a temple in the mountains would be just what I need to recharge my system as I'm preparing for a half-marathon in Seoul. While I ultimately did not find the experience super relaxing, it was an interesting cultural experience and was nice to get some fresh air during the weekend. If you are looking to get out of the city for a weekend during your time teaching in Korea and trying something new, then I recommend trying one of these templestays.
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Temple Stay,
temples,
things to do on the weekend,
Buddhism,
Weekend activities in Korea
Many people within and outside Korea find that it is a conservative country. The majority of Korean people can identify themselves as atheist, Christian, or Buddhist. Without a doubt, one can feel and experience the Buddhist influence in Korea. Although I am not Buddhist, I still am able to enjoy the architecture of the many temples that can be found around Seoul. Another way that I enjoy experiencing the Buddhist culture while teaching in Korea is through their various holidays and celebrations such as Buddha's birthday.
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Temple Stay,
lantern festival,
Buddhism,
Buddha's Birthday
Last week, I posted part one of my blogs on the annual Lotus Lantern Festival, thrown in honor of Buddha's Birthday in Seoul. After we spent some time last weekend walking around Jogyesa and taking billions of photos of the lanterns, it was time for my favorite part of the festival: the Lantern Parade.
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things to do before leaving korea,
festival,
festivals,
korea bucket list,
cultural experience,
bucket list,
Buddhist Temples,
Buddhism,
tourist attraction in korea,
tourist attractions,
Korean traditions,
Buddha's Birthday,
lotus lantern festival,
cultural activities,
Buddhist,
Holidays in South Korea,
Weekend activities in Korea
I have been in Korea for around a year now, and have seen my fair share of Korean Buddhist Temples, but I had never been to the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan, South Korea. I made it there on a weekend one day because I had heard it was one of the most beautiful temples, as it is built on a cliff and looks out towards the ocean.
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busan,
Buddhist Temples,
Buddhism,
temple
My family loved Korea, and they also loved learning about it through several different experiences. One of the best was enjoying a templestay. We spent a night at the Haeinsa Temple. It was really beautiful, and although it was snowing and a bit chilly, that only helped us focus on meditation.
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Tags:
Temple Stay,
Buddhist Temples,
Buddhism,
temple
In the weeks before moving to South Korea I became increasingly interested in Korean culture, and one of more popular religions in Korea, Buddhism. When a friend sent me a facebook event for a temple stay in Busan, I was ready to pack one very light bag! Temple stays are programs run by Buddhist temples that allow foreigners, or anyone, to stay overnight at the temple for a set amount of time and experience a day in the life of a Buddhist monk. A room, clothes, and meals are included, along with Buddhist activites, like 108 bows and meditation.
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Tags:
Temple Stay,
Korean culture,
Asia,
cultural experience,
Buddhist Temples,
Buddhism,
temple,
morning activities,
Buddhist
