7,000 spots available nationwide at 98 temples; Greater Seoul reservations open June 24
The Korean Buddhist Cultural Organization is hosting a "Youth Temple Stay" event in July to help young people recover their mental well-being and deepen their understanding of Buddhist culture. The program will run throughout the month at 98 temples across the country, offering discounted stays to approximately 7,000 participants.
Anyone between the ages of 19 and 34 — born between 1991 and 2007, as defined under the Framework Act on Youth — is eligible to take part. Participants can book a one-night, two-day temple stay for 30,000 won (about $19) through advance reservation.
Reservations must be made through the official Templestay website after creating an account. Booking pages will open in stages by region: temples in Seoul, Gyeonggi Province, Incheon, the Chungcheong provinces and Sejong will become available at 1 p.m. on June 24, followed by temples in Gangwon Province, the Jeolla provinces, Gwangju, the Gyeongsang provinces, Daegu and Busan at 1 p.m. on June 25. Jeju is excluded from this event.
The organization designed the program to give young people a chance to rest and reflect at a temple, away from the pressures of daily life. It focuses on using natural surroundings and traditional temple spaces to offer both psychological calm and cultural experience.
Ven. Ilhwa, head of the organization, said she hopes young people living in today's fast-paced society can "set aside their worries and concerns, even if just for a moment." She added that she looks forward to the program offering "a precious opportunity to recharge and heal both body and mind in the fresh air and lush surroundings of a mountain temple."
Detailed schedules and information on participating temples are available on the official Templestay website.
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