Seoul: "Temple stays," overnight cultural programs at Buddhist temples, will be offered at a discounted rate for foreign visitors and residents next month, organizers said Thursday, as part of efforts to promote traditional Buddhist culture amid a rebound in tourism.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the program will run throughout September at 19 temples nationwide, with participants able to book a one-night stay for 30,000 won (US$20.8). This initiative is organized by the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism, operating under the Jogye Order, the country's largest Buddhist sect. Typically, regular temple stay rates for adults range from 70,000 won to 100,000 won per night.
The participating sites are diverse, including Seoul's Jogye and Hwagye temples, Naksan and Woljeong temples in Gangwon Province, Tongdo and Haein temples in South Gyeongsang Province, Seonun Temple in North Jeolla Province, and Magok Temple in South Chungcheong Province.
Reservations for these discounted temple stays will open on the official English website for temple stays (eng.templestay.com) from 1 p.m. on August 12, on a first-come, first-served basis, the organizers announced.