Korean Job Discussion Forums

[snorske]

How do they operate? Is it essentially like a western church, where the priests and ministers rely on donations?

It really appears like a cake deal...they have to upkeep the temple grounds, but it doesn't seem like they have to do anything for anyone. No services, life consultations, missionary work etc.

[slothrop]

temples make serious money doing funeral ceremonies. these are separate from the 3 day affairs that professional funeral homes do with all the korean customs, the temples offer chanting for the deceased that last about 2 hours once a week for 7 weeks after a death. 7 is an important number in buddhism. the cost varies from temple to temple. i have no idea what a high society temple would charge, but a simple temple in a smallish city in the south will charge about 5 million for the full 7 weeks, or a million for 1 time(for those who can't afford the full 7 weeks). it can be difficult to get a weekend slot for this ceremony as they are usually fully booked.

some temples also make money from temple stay. this can run 20-40 thousand per night. it includes vegetarian meals with the monks, and you get your own room, but it's minimalist and w/out tv obviously; you are supposed to meditate and reflect on emptiness of self and impermanence of your bank account.

some temples in seoul make over 20 billion won(18 million dollars) a year.
the plan to make them pay taxes has been pushed back to 2018
http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2016/04/137_202218.html

[mithridates]

And if some are lucky like 봉은사 they own land in a very expensive part of town. If I remember correctly all the land where COEX is located was owned by them, and they either sold it to them or have an agreement to pay them yearly for it.