Templestay – Hwagyesa Temple (Seoul)
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)
| Time | Title |
|---|---|
| 13:30-14:00 | Arrival and room assignment |
| 14:00-15:00 | Orientation and temple tour |
| 15:00-16:20 | Walking meditation |
| 16:20-17:30 | Dinner |
| 17:30-18:00 | Bell ceremony and evening ceremony |
| 18:00-18:20 | Yebul: Evening service |
| 18:20-21:30 | 108 bows and making 108 beads |
| 21:30-00:00 | Lights out |
| Time | Title |
|---|---|
| 04:20-05:00 | Yebul: Morning service |
| 05:00-6:20 | Meditation |
| 06:20-07:20 | Breakfast |
| 07:20-09:00 | Taking a walk along the Dulle-gil |
| 09:00-10:30 | Tea time with a monk |
| 10:30 | Cleaning and departure time |
(This schedule is subject to change)
B: Only Rest (The Relaxation Program)
| Time | Title |
|---|---|
| 13:30-14:00 | Arrival/Room Assignment |
| 14:00-16:20 | Orientation/Temple tour |
| 16:20-18:00 | Dinner |
| 18:00-18:20 | Evening ceremony |
| 21:00-00:00 | Lights Out |
| Time | Title |
|---|---|
| 04:20-06:20 | Morning ceremony |
| 06:20-09:00 | Breakfast |
| 09:00-10:30 | Tea time with a monk |
| 10:30 | Cleaning 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)
