Beomeosa,  Busan,  Templestay

Templestay – Beomeosa Temple (Geumjeong-gu, Busan)

Beomeosa Temple in Geumjeong-gu, Busan.

Introduction to Temple

Beomeosa Temple is located on the northeastern foothills of Mt. Geumjeongsan (801.5 m) in Geumgjong-gu, Busan. Beomeosa Temple was first founded in 678 A.D by the famed monk Uisang-daesa (625-702 A.D.). In English, Beomeosa Temple means “Nirvana Fish Temple.” The name of the temple relates to the name of the mountain for which Beomeosa Temple is situated. Mt. Geumjeongsan means “Golden Well Mountain” in English. This comes from a myth that finds a golden fish descending down from the heavens on a five-coloured cloud. This golden fish played in a well on top of Mt. Geumjeongsan. It’s believed that this golden well never runs dry.

Tragically, Beomeosa Temple was destroyed by fire by the invading Japanese during the Imjin War (1592-1598). The temple wasn’t rebuilt until 1613. It’s from this time period that the oldest structures at Beomeosa Temple date back to. This includes such structures as the Daeung-jeon Hall and the Iljumun Gate.

Currently, Beomeosa Temple is one of the sixth largest temples in Korea. Also, the temple grounds are home to some ten hermitages that are directly associated with Beomeosa Temple. Beomeosa Temple is also home to four Korean Treasures and one Natural Monument.

As for the Templestay program at Beomeosa Temple, they conduct two different programs. The first is the Experiential Templestay (Weekends) Program, which is a one night, two day program that focuses on a temple tour, folk art painting, bead making, and meditation. This program follows a well-organized schedule; while the second Templestay program, the Relaxation Templestay (Weekdays) Program, is less structured. This one night, two day program allows participants to enjoy the temple, relax, and reflect more on their own.

For more on Beomeosa Temple.

Directions

From the Beomeosa Station subway stop, stop #133 on line #1, leave this station through exits #5 or #7. From there, walk five minutes to the bus stop and take Bus #90 to get to the entrance of Beomeosa Temple.

Templestay Programs

Beomeosa Temple conducts two distinct Templestay programs at their temple. The first is the Experiential Templestay (Weekends) Program, which is conducted on the weekend and follows a schedule over a one night, two day program. The second is the Relaxation Templestay (Weekdays) Program, which is also a one night, two day program; but this program is conducted during the weekday, and it follows a looser schedule. Here are each of these programs schedules:

A: Experiential Templestay (Weekends) Program

TimeTitle
14:00-14:30Check-In
14:30-15:20Orientation
15:30-16:50Walk in the Forest & Temple Tour
16:50-17:20Dinner
17:30-18:30Folk Art Painting
18:30-21:00Free Time
21:00-00:00Bedtime
TimeTitle
03:40-04:00Get-Up
04:30-05:00Watching a Ceremony for the Four Dharma Instruments & Joining a Buddhist Ceremony
05:00-06:30Making Prayer Beads
06:30-07:00Breakfast
07:00-09:00Free Time
09:00-09:40Meditation & Tea Time with Buddhist Monk
09:40-10:00Check-Out

(This schedule is subject to change)

The Templestay facilities at Beomeosa Temple. (Picture courtesy of the Templestay website).
More of the facilities. (Picture courtesy of the Templestay website).

B: Relaxation Templestay (Weekdays) Program

TimeTitle
14:00-14:30Check-In
14:30-15:20Orientation (mandatory)
15:30-16:50Walk in a Forest & Temple Tour (mandatory)
16:50-17:20Dinner
18:00-18:30Watching a Ceremony for the Four Dharma Instruments & Joining a Buddhist Ceremony (optional)
18:30-21:00Free Time
21:00-00:00Bedtime
TimeTitle
04:00-04:30Get-Up
04:30-05:00Watching a Ceremony for the Four Dharma Instruments & Joining a Buddhist Ceremony (optional)
07:00-07:30Breakfast
07:30-09:00Free Time
09:00-09:40Meditation (mandatory)
09:40-10:00Check-Out

(This schedule is subject to change)

Temple Information

Address: 20 Sangma 1-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan, South Korea

Tel: 82-070-7728-8861

E-mail: tsbeomeosa@templestay.com

Fees

Experiential Templestay (Weekends) Program – adults – 100,000 won; students (up to 18 years of age) – 100,000 won

Relaxation Templestay (Weekdays) Program – adults – 60,000 won; students (up to 18 years of age) – 60,000 won

*The cancellation policy is as follows: 3 days before: 100% refund; 2 days before: 70% refund; 1 day before: 50% refund; the day of the reservation there is no refund.

Links

Reservations for the Experiential Templestay (Weekends) Program

Reservations for the Relaxation Templestay (Weekdays) Program

One of the many beautiful views at Beomeosa Temple.

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