Woljeongsa Temple: Experience an Overnight Stay at a South Korean Icon

The PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics have placed South Korea's tranquil Gangwon Province, located northeast of Seoul, in the global spotlight.

Amidst the excitement of the games, this region is actually famed for its serene landscapes, from snow-covered mountains to breathtaking waterfalls.

At the heart of this peaceful ambiance stands the renowned Woljeongsa Temple, a true symbol of the area's slow-paced lifestyle.

Set within a pine forest in Odaesan National Park, this Goryeo Dynasty-era (918-1392 CE) Buddhist temple invites travelers worldwide to partake in its unique temple stay experiences.

"The temples foster a culture of healing, where individuals from all walks of life can come and find peace through meditation," says Tai Woo Jeong Nyum, the head monk of Woljeongsa Temple, in an interview with Dinogo Travel.

About the Temple

Located less than three hours by train from Seoul, Woljeongsa Temple is not only one of the most accessible Buddhist sites in Korea, but also one of its most significant.

Founded in 643 CE by the Silla Dynasty monk Jajang, Woljeongsa Temple was destroyed during the Korean War in the early 1950s, but it was later painstakingly reconstructed to restore its former glory.

Woljeongsa is actually a vast complex, consisting of over 60 temples, 22 pagodas, and eight monasteries, all spread across the mountainside.

Nestled in nature, the temple showcases traditional Buddhist architecture, with vibrant colors, elegantly curved eaves, and expansive courtyards.

The monks at Woljeongsa follow the Jogye tradition of Korean Buddhism, a practice that has been around for over a millennium and focuses on chamseon – meditation as a path to inner tranquility.

Experience Life with the Monks

Today, the temple is not only home to monks; it also welcomes guests, offering 15 rooms available for booking through the temple’s official website.

This hands-on program is designed for those keen to explore the monastic way of life, Buddhism, and the practice of chamseon meditation.

The experience enhances spiritual well-being through a variety of activities, such as tea ceremonies with monks, a workshop to create traditional prayer beads, and peaceful walks through the serene fir pine forest.

"Surrounded by the tranquil atmosphere of the mountain, with ever-changing views that shift with the seasons, Odae Mountain offers a peaceful sanctuary where each day feels like a fresh start," says head monk Tai Woo.

Whether you’re interested in delving into Korean Buddhist philosophy or simply seeking a one-of-a-kind retreat, a temple stay offers the perfect opportunity to clear your mind, engage in meditation, and immerse yourself in the stunning mountain landscapes.

Woljeongsa Temple, 374-8 Odaesan-ro, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do; +82 33-339-6800