Templestay – Geumseonsa Temple (Seoul)
Introduction to Temple
Geumseonsa Temple, which is also spelled Geumsunsa Temple, is over 600 years old, and it’s beautifully situated in Mt. Bukhansan National Park in Seoul. Historically, Geumseonsa Temple was the place where King Jeungjo of Joseon (r. 1776-1800) prayed for the birth of a male heir. As for the temple itself, it specializes in Seon meditation. There are a couple highlights to this temple like the beautiful stream that passes under the Hongyae-gyo Bridge (Nirvana Bridge) inside the temple grounds, as well as the natural beauty that surrounds the temple.
As for the Templestay programs, the Relaxational Templestay program focuses on meditation, touring the temple, and on Buddhist ceremonies; while the 2022 Daily Templestay focuses on tea making, meditation, and bead making.
Directions
From the Gyeongbokgung Station, you’ll need to go out exit #3 and walk straight for about 70 metres. From there, you’ll need to find the “Gyeongbokgung bus stop – 경복궁역.” Board Bus #7212 and get off at the “Ibukodocheong stop – 이북오도청.” From this stop, you’ll need to walk north towards the mountain for 20 minutes, while staying on the main road. There are several signs along the way that say Geumseonsa/Geumsunsa Temple. Once you reach the entrance to the mountain, you’ll need to hike up the mountain for 500 metres. Once you meet a restroom on your right, turn left towards Geumseonsa Temple.
Templestay Programs
In total, Geumseonsa Temple conducts two Templestay programs for foreign nationals. The first is the Relaxational Templestay, which is a one night two day program. They also conduct the 2022 Daily Templestay, which is a three hour program.
A: Relaxational Templestay
| Time | Title |
|---|---|
| 15:00-15:30 | Registration/Check-in |
| 15:30-16:10 | Orientation & Temple Tour |
| 16:30-17:30 | Singing Bowl Meditation |
| 17:30-18:00 | Dinner |
| 18:20-18:30 | Bell Tolling |
| 18:30-18:50 | Buddhist Ceremony (Evening Chanting) |
| 21:00-00:00 | Lights Out/Bedtime |
| Time | Title |
|---|---|
| 06:40-07:00 | Wake Up |
| 07:00-07:30 | Breakfast |
| 10:00-10:30 | Cleaning the room & Returning uniform |
| 10:30-00:00 | Check Out |
(This schedule is subject to change)
B: 2022 Daily Templestay
| Time | Title |
|---|---|
| 13:30-14:00 | Check-in |
| 14:00-15:00 | Orientation/Temple Tour |
| 15:00-16:00 | Tea with Monk/Meditation |
| 16:00-16:30 | Making lotus lanterns or 108 beads |
(This schedule is subject to change)
Temple Information
Temple Address : 196-2, Gugidong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea, South Korea
Tel : +82-10-2685-9913
E-mail : geumsunsa@templestay.com
Fees
Relaxational Templestay Program – adults – 70,000 won; students (up to 18 years old) – 50,000 won
2022 Daily Templestay Program – adults/students – 30,000 won
*The cancellation policy for Geumseonsa Temple is 4 days before: 100% refund; 3 days before: 50% refund; 2 days before: 20% refund; and 1 day before and the day of: no refund.
Links
Reservations for the Relaxational Templestay Program
Reservations for the 2022 Daily Templestay Program
