Templestay – Baegyangsa Temple (Jangseong, Jeollanam-do)
Introduction to Temple
Baegyangsa Temple is located in Naejangsan National Park in Jangseong, Jeollanam-do. It’s located in a picturesque valley between Mt. Daegaksan (529.8 m) to the southeast and Mt. Baegamsan (741.2 m) to the northwest. Baegyangsa Temple was first founded in 632 A.D. during the Baekje Kingdom (18 B.C. – 660 A.D.). When the temple was first constructed, it was named Baegamsa Temple. Later, and during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), it was renamed to Jeongtosa Temple in 1034. The temple would change its name, once more, in 1350 to that of Gakjinguksa Temple. Finally in 1574, when the temple was rebuilt, it was also renamed with the current name of Baegyangsa Temple. In English, Baegyangsa Temple means “White Sheep Temple.” The name of the temple is in reference to a white sheep that would come down from the neighbouring mountains to listen to the sutra readings. After listening to these teachings, the sheep ascended up to Jeongto, or the “Pure Land” in English.
Throughout the years, Baegyangsa Temple has been renovated several times including in 1786, 1864, and 1917. And during Japanese Colonial Rule (1910-1945), Baegyangsa Temple was named one of the district head temples. Currently, it’s the 18th District Head Temple of the Jogye-jong Order (the largest Buddhist order in Korea). In total, Baegyangsa Temple is home to two Korean Treasures, two Natural Monuments, and a Scenic Site.
As for the Templestay program at Baegyangsa Temple, the temple offers two distinct programs. The first is entitled the “Experience Temple Food and Culture with Monk Program.” This program focuses on cooking temple food. The other program that Baegyangsa Temple offers is the “Lighten your Mind Program;” however, this program currently doesn’t seem to be running.
For more on Baegyangsa Temple.
Directions
To get to Baegyangsa Temple, you can catch a bus from the Gwangju Intercity Bus Terminal. Buses to Baegyangsa Temple first leave at 6:35 a.m., and they run until 7:50 p.m. These buses leave at intervals anywhere from 60 to 80 minutes apart, and the bus ride will take one hour and twenty minutes.
Templestay Programs
The “Experience Temple Food and Culture with Monk Program” is a one night two day program that allows a visitor to explore and experience Buddhist culture through its food.
A: Experience Temple Food and Culture with Monk Program
| Time | Title |
|---|---|
| 14:00-15:00 | Registration/Check-in (Temple Office) |
| 15:00-16:00 | Temple Tour (Mandatory) |
| 17:00-17:30 | Dinner Offering |
| 17:50-18:00 | Watching the Dharma Drum Ceremony (Mandatory) |
| 18:00-18:40 | Buddhist Evening Ceremony (Mandatory) |
| 18:50-21:00 | Free Time |
| 21:00-00:00 | Going to Bed |
| Time | Title |
|---|---|
| 04:20-05:00 | Buddhist Morning Ceremony (Optional) |
| 06:30-07:00 | Breakfast Offering |
| 07:00-09:00 | Free Time |
| 09:00-09:30 | Return Bedding |
| 10:00-14:30 | Going to Jung Kwan Nun’s Temple, Have a Cooking Class |
| 14:30-15:00 | Coming Back to the Temple Office & Write a Review |
| 14:30-15:00 | Departure |
(This schedule is subject to change)
Temple Information
Address: Jangseong-gun Jeollanam-do26, Yaksu-ri, Bukha-myeon
Tel: 061-392-0434
E-mail: baekyangsa@templestay.com
Fees
Experience Temple Food and Culture with Monk Program – adults – 150,000 won
*You should cancel your reservation at least 30 days before the scheduled reservation. The reason for this is that there is a long waiting list. Also, it’s possible that the temple cancels the reservation due to unexpected temple events.
**The cancellation policy is as follows: 3 days before: 100% refund; 2 days before: 50% refund; 1 day before: 10% refund; the day of the reservation there is no refund.
Links
Reservations for the Experience Temple Food and Culture with Monk Program
