Overview
A different Way to Explore Gyeongju
- Visit Gyeongju, where Buddhism was first introduced in 372 CE
- Exclusive access to the Bulkuksa Temple at night
- 4hrs temple experience, find yourself through meditation
- Comfortable overnight at a local stay (no need to overnight in the temple)
Bulkuksa Temple in Gyeongju
Bulguksa Temple is a representative relic of Buddhist culture from the Silla kingdom. The temple was built in 528 BC during the 15th year of King Beop-heung’s reign (514-540) to wish for peace and prosperity for all. The temple now holds seven national treasures, a number of additional important heritages, and was designated a World Cultural Heritage Site along with the nearby Seokguram Grotto by UNESCO in December 1995.
Manhyujeong is one of Gyeongsangbuk-do Cultural Heritage Material No. 173. A well-known travel destination where many locals and many photographers visit. Most importantly the filming location of popular Korean Drama Mr. Sunshine!
The temple Experience?
Templestay is an experiential program in Korean Buddhism initiated by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. During its 1,700 years of history, Korean Buddhism has preserved and passed down Ganhwa Seon practice, a kind of Seon (Zen) meditation. Every year during the retreat seasons of summer and winter, about 2,500 monastics enter a 100-day meditation retreat in one of the 100 temples nationwide. This is a unique Korean tradition in the sphere of Mahayana Buddhism.
This tradition has influenced the architectural layout of temples and monastic life over the years, and one can attain inner calm and peace of mind and body at any of these temples.
If you visit Korea you shouldn’t miss such an opportunity!
How to get to Gyeongju
- KTX = Seoul (Seoul Station) → Singyeongju Statio
- Check the KTX Schedule & Tickets → KTX
- SRT = Seoul (Suseo Station) → Singyeongju Station
- Check the SRT Schedule & Tickets → SRT
Itinerary
Schedule Itinerary
| |
DAY 1 |
| 03:00 pm |
Check-in at Bulkuksa Family Hotel
- Activities are offered in the Hotel (Hanbok rental, craft lesson ect.)
|
| 04:00 am |
Transfer to Bulkuksa Temple & Change with clothes
|
| 05:30 pm |
Temple Meal
*Note that there will be no meat in the menu.
|
| 06:30 pm ~ 08:50 pm |
Night temple experience
- Drum Beating
- Evening Prayer
- Tapgol Meditation walk
- Night view
|
| 09:00 pm |
Transfer to Hotel & Overstay
- Bell Sound Meditation Session
-
Evening Prayer
|
| |
DAY 2
|
| 8:00 am - 9:00 am |
Enjoy your breakfast
|
| ~11:00 am |
Check-out
|
| 13:00 pm |
End of tour |
*NOTE*
- A uniform ( a vest& pants)is provided during the stay.
- What to bring: toiletries, towel, a personal water bottle, loose clothes for sleep, an extra t-shirt, sneakers, and socks. Remember that a sleeveless shirt or flip-flops are not recommended.
- Times may vary depending on traffic and local conditions.
Want to learn about the history of Gyeongju?
Check out our Gyeongju 1 Day Tour or 2 Days Tour!
Pickup/Meeting Location
Meeting Location
*Please select one of the meeting locations.
Bulkuksa Family Hotel - Lobby
The guide will meet you in the Hotel lobby
Address: 경북 경주시 영불로 248
EN 248 Yeongbul-ro, Jinhyeon-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do
) below for the direction on the google map
Ke*** N***
It was so interesting to explore a different part of Korea. I learned a lot of the culture and history of the Korean Buddhist temples, and coming from a totally different culture and country, I had never imagined I could have the opportunity to even meditate in the same room of the Monks in these temples.
There are so many interesting activities to do, and you even get to meet amazing people too!
Ma*** C*** Trinidad and Tobago
The best way to understand someone else’s culture is simply to experience it yourself! That’s exactly what this tour offers. Quiet time to meditate, learn about Buddhist practices (with English translators available) while also engaging in craft or jewelery making.