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Spending a night at Geumsunsa Temple ended up being one of the highlights of my trip to South Korea.
If you are looking for a place to stay in Seoul, that is totally different, you should consider it.
For starters, it is just outside the city center, so you won’t have to travel far at all. You can even come visit as a day-trip from Seoul.
But you’ll be amazed at how different and calm it is up there.
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- 🍜 Best Korean Cooking Class (learn to make authentic Korean dishes. I actually test two spots you can read here, the one linked is what I recommend.)
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- 🚌 (TRANSFER) Incheon Airport to Seoul Bus Ticket by Korea Airport Limousine (KAL) (best airport transfer, has over 6 THOUSAND reviews and is only $12)
Where Is Geumsunsa Temple and How Do You Get There?
Geumsunsa Temple is located on the southern slopes of Bukhansan National Park, which is just outside Seoul.
It’s technically within city limits, but the moment you start walking uphill through the forest, it feels like you’ve left the city behind entirely. And the hike up, is a proper hike so be prepared for some steep walking.
There are a few ways to get there from central Seoul, with the easiest being a taxi. But you can also
- Take the subway to Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3, Exit 3)
- Walk straight and catch Bus 7212, 1020, or 7022
- Get off near Seunggasa Temple or Pyeongchang-dong Community Center
- Follow the signs and hike uphill for about 15 to 20 minutes
If you have a confirmed booking, all you need is to arrive there on the day they are expecting you and to start walking up the hill!
What to bring to the temple?
I highly recommend bringing only a small overnight backpack with just the essentials.
You won’t need much: a change of clothes for the next day, toiletries, and maybe a small towel.
The temple provides a uniform for the stay, so you won’t need regular clothes during the program itself.
There is also a luggage lift service (a huge zip-line in a way) but unless you really need it, it’s best to travel light.
What about food?
If you’re a picky eater or have dietary needs, consider packing a couple of extra snacks. Meals are fully vegan and served at specific times, with no snacks or food options available once you’re there.
What to Expect: Accommodation and Experience
Geumsunsa is part of Korea’s official Templestay program, which gives visitors a chance to experience life inside an active Buddhist temple.
It has just enough structure to feel meaningful but not overwhelming.
You’ll sleep on a simple mat in a traditional room, usually shared unless you book a private option, with minimal furnishings and beautiful mountain views.
Rooms are clean and quiet. And no, there is no Wi-Fi.
The typical schedule includes a tea ceremony with a monk, evening chanting or silent meditation, a 4:30 AM wake-up bell for pre-dawn meditation, and two vegan meals served mindfully and in silence.
You don’t need to be Buddhist or even spiritual. The staff explain everything clearly, and there’s a gentle rhythm to the experience. You’re free to participate sincerely or just observe with respect.
As someone who isn’t religious, I still found the experience genuinely fascinating.
One of the highlights was the chance to speak with the monk after the singing bowl ceremony — which, for the record, almost lulled me into a deep, snoring sleep. We talked about philosophy, daily life, and how he navigated the challenges of his own path.
🥳 Good to know
Since there is no WiFi in the temple, you might want to grab an eSIM to stay connected. Here are the best eSIM options I recommend for South Korea in 2026.
How to Prepare for Your Temple Stay
Here’s what I recommend bringing:
- Comfortable clothes that are modest and easy to move in
- Socks, since you’ll be barefoot indoors
- Toiletries and a small towel
- Layers, especially in colder months, since the mountain air can be cool
- A water bottle
- A flashlight or phone torch, especially if arriving late
- A light book or journal if you want time to reflect
You’ll be given a uniform to wear during the stay, so you won’t need your regular clothes until you leave.
Snacking isn’t part of the program, but if you tend to get hungry between meals, pack something small and discreet. Just don’t expect a convenience store nearby.
You’ll need to wear something under the uniform to have your arms covered, so bring a light layer or t-shirt depending on the weather.
The next morning, you’ll be asked to pack your sheets, and turn over the uniform as well as a quick sweep of the room.
How to Book a Temple Stay at Geumsunsa
The easiest way to book is through the official Templestay website, where Geumsunsa has its own page with available dates and program types.
- Programs usually run on weekends from Saturday to Sunday
- You can choose between a relaxed stay or a more structured experience.
- Prices range from ₩70,000 to ₩80,000, which is about €50 to €60 per night.
- Booking at least a week in advance is a good idea, especially in spring or fall.
- You’ll pay online or in cash, depending on the program
You can also reach out directly to the temple for special requests or group visits.
Would I do it again?
Yes!
I felt perfectly relaxed, and happy to be away from the city and in such a calming environment.
Embarrassingly, I think I fell into a snore-heavy sleep during one of the tea ceremonies.
Even without that though, the conversations with the monk and the people there were eye-opening and challenged a lot of the stereotypes of modern living we’ve become accustomed to.
Ready to book? Top Korea recommendations
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Cheapest option is one of my new favorites which is also a South Korean company: Superalink. They have a $7.10 plan for 7 days for 5GB a day!
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🚖 Airport Transfers: Book the limousine transfer Airport to Seoul Bus Ticket by Korea Airport Limousine (KAL)
🏨 City Hotel Option: My favorite value option is IBC Hotel Dongdaemun but you can check full recommendations here.
🎟️ Top Seoul Activities:
These are my favorites that I’ve booked.
Seoul: Korean Cooking at Seoul Cooking Club! (I loved this!)
- Pre-book your Hanbok Rental with Palace Entry (saves a lot of time!)
- I didn’t particularly like Coex Aquarium (still good for kids) you can ready why here
🗺️ Navigation App: Download Naver Map before landing
🛕 For Something Truly Unique: Consider a temple stay at Geumsunsa Temple — a peaceful Buddhist stay inside Seoul that feels worlds away from the city.
