Seoul,  Templestay

Templestay – Hwagyesa Temple (Seoul)

Templestay at Hwagyesa Temple in Seoul. (Picture Courtesy of the Templestay website).

Introduction to Temple

Hwagyesa Temple was first founded in 1522 A.D by the monk Sinwol. Tragically, the temple was destroyed by fire in 1618. It wasn’t until 1866, through financial support from royal elders, that the temple was rebuilt. There are numerous buildings at the temple to enjoy like the Daeung-jeon Hall, the Myeongbu-jeon Hall, and the Samseong-gak Hall. In addition to these buildings, a visitor can enjoy a small spring to the rear of the temple and Hwagye-gol Valley. The spring water from the Oktak-cheon stream is said to have curative properties for skin and stomach ailments.

In total, Hwagyesa Temple offers two distinct Templestay programs. The first is the Only Don’t Know (The Experience Program), which focuses on meditation, Buddhist ceremonies, and bead-making. The other program that the temple offers is the Only Rest (The Relaxation Program), which, as the name of the program kind of hints at, focuses on relaxation.

Directions

On the Seoul subway system, you’ll need to get to line #4 and get off at the Suyu subway station. After going out exit #3, you’ll need to board local Bus #2 for an additional 15 minutes. You’ll need to get off at the Hwagyesa stop.

Templestay Programs

Hwagyesa Temple conducts two different programs for foreign nationals at their temple. The first is the Only Don’t Know (The Experience Program), which is a one night two day program. The other program is the Only Rest (The Relaxation Program), which is also a one night two day experience.

A: Only Don’t Know (The Experience Program)

TimeTitle
13:30-14:00Arrival and room assignment
14:00-15:00Orientation and temple tour
15:00-16:20Walking meditation
16:20-17:30Dinner
17:30-18:00Bell ceremony and evening ceremony
18:00-18:20Yebul: Evening service
18:20-21:30108 bows and making 108 beads
21:30-00:00Lights out
TimeTitle
04:20-05:00Yebul: Morning service
05:00-6:20Meditation
06:20-07:20Breakfast
07:20-09:00Taking a walk along the Dulle-gil
09:00-10:30Tea time with a monk
10:30Cleaning and departure time

(This schedule is subject to change)

The facilities at Hwagyesa Temple. (Picture courtesy of the Templestay website).
Some more of the facilities at Hwagyesa Temple. (Picture courtesy of the Templestay website).

B: Only Rest (The Relaxation Program)

TimeTitle
13:30-14:00Arrival/Room Assignment
14:00-16:20Orientation/Temple tour
16:20-18:00Dinner
18:00-18:20Evening ceremony
21:00-00:00Lights Out
TimeTitle
04:20-06:20Morning ceremony
06:20-09:00Breakfast
09:00-10:30Tea time with a monk
10:30Cleaning and departure time

(This schedule is subject to change)

Temple Information

Address : 117 Hwagyesa-gil, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Tel : 82-10-4024-4326

E-mail : hwagyesa@templestay.com

Fees

Only Don’t Know (The Experience Program) – adults – 60,000 won; students (up to 18 years of age) – 50,000 won

Only Rest (The Relaxation Program) – adults – 50,000 won; students (up to 18 years of age) – 40,000 won

*The cancellation policy is as follows: 3 days before: 100% refund; 2 days before: 50% refund; 1 day before: 10% refund; day of: 0% refund.

Links

Reservations for the Only Don’t Know (The experience program)

Reservations for the Only Rest ( The Relaxation Program)

Enjoying the Templestay program at Hwagyesa Temple. (Picture courtesy of the Templestay website).

Leave a Reply