Korean Job Discussion Forums

lostinseoul77777 · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul, Gangnam

I heard there is a Buddhist temple in/near Seoul with english services. I was considering a week visit when the weather gets warmer. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

SeoulShakin · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul

Sorry I can't be of any help, but I'm interested in temple stays as well and thought this thread deserved a bit of a bump.

Does nobody have any info on this?

Thanks in advance...

voth · Joined: 05 Jan 2006

Are you referring to the Lotus Lantern Buddhist Center located in Seoul? I'm not sure how valid the number is but here: 82-2-735-5347

148-5 Sokyok-dong, Chongno-gu, Seoul 110-200, Korea

Edit: I believe the service is held on Sunday @ 6:30p.

Poor Lazarus · Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Location: Andong

http://eng.templestay.com/

It has plenty of info and choices all over Korea, including Seoul.

lostinseoul77777 · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul, Gangnam

I was actually thinking of doing a 3 or 4 day stay when I got a chance. I read an article in a magazine and the whole experience looks very interesting (except for maybe getting up at 3 a.m. to do prayers.) I can use a little peace and quiet after being in this concrete jungle for a while.

SeoulShakin - I will get some details and PM you if you're still interested. Let me know.

captain kirk · Joined: 29 Jan 2003

I don't see Seoul International Zen centre listed on that templestay site. They are much more active regarding running retreats than Lotus Lantern. There's a temple in Seoul and one in the mountains near Daejon. Seoul city temple is Hwagesa and the Daejon mountain temple is Musangsa.

They have a site at http://www.seoulzen.org

Xerxes · Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 4:57 pm Post subject:

The English services is probably the temple north of COEX (ah, just forgot what it is called!! Bomun-sa, I think, I get the names confused). They are the most western visitors friendly. Or could be the one downtown across from Insa-dong, Jogae-sa. Those two have the most tourist visits and therefore are most likely to have English services.

I heard that you can do a temple stay at almost any temple, if you talk to the monk and offer the right fee (for the cost of your food and place). The fee is very nominal, although they will appreciate donations to their temple above and beyond that. Students studying for college entrance or government job exams go to study in the mountain temples this way.

I have never actually done a temple stay myself, but I know a few people who have. I've eaten at a lot of temples when you visit during special Buddhist events, though. Great health foods though.

voth · Joined: 05 Jan 2006

Bong-eunsa in southern Seoul (Gangnam-gu), a little north of the Korean exhibit centre
telephone: 82-2-511-6070

Bongwonsa Temple, located west of Seodaemun Prison History hall telephone: 82-2-392-3007