My First Templestay, a Complete Guide to Foolproof Preparation and Tips

Before Booking, The Crucial Difference Between 'Rest' and 'Experience' Types

When you visit the official Templestay website, you'll see countless temples spread out before you. The first choice you need to make is between the 'Rest' type and the 'Experience' type, which depends entirely on your purpose.

• Rest Type: 90% of the schedule is free time. In many places, attending early morning Yebul (Buddhist ceremony) is optional, not mandatory. If you just want to go into the mountains, do nothing, and space out, definitely choose this.
• Experience Type: The schedule is packed with activities like tea ceremonies with monks, 108 bows, and making lotus lanterns. I recommend this if you want to clear your mind by experiencing something rather than just having a static rest. If it's your first time, I recommend starting with the 'Rest' type to adapt to the temple atmosphere. I've seen many friends go in with high ambition, only to end up stressed due to a tight schedule in the 'Experience' program.

Packing Guide: You'll Get 100 Points If You Bring These

Since you'll be provided with 'Suryeonbok' (training clothes) at the temple, you can pack as lightly as possible. However, there are a few things beginners often miss.

• Personal Toiletries and Towel: While it varies by temple, many places only provide soap. Shampoos, foam cleansers, and toothbrushes are essentials. They generally provide 1-2 towels, but if you think you'll sweat a lot, pack an extra one.
• Slippers: Inside the temple, you have to take your shoes on and off constantly. Strapless slippers are the way to go. If you wear sneakers, you'll be exhausted from tying your laces every time.
• Tumbler: The mountain air is chilly in the early morning. It's useful for drinking warm tea or water in your room.
• Earplugs and Sleep Mask: There's a high chance you'll be staying in a wooden building with almost no soundproofing. You might hear the person in the next room snoring, so if you're sensitive, bringing these is better for your mental health.

Temple Manners: Don't Think 'Only My Comfort Matters'

A temple is not a hotel. As long as you follow a few rules, you won't have any conflicts with others.

• Keep Your Phone on Silent: Talking loudly on the temple grounds is very inconsiderate. Especially near the Gongyanggan (dining area) or Yebul areas, keep your phone in your bag.
• Punctuality for Meals: You must be strict about meal times. If you go late, there might not be any food left, and more importantly, in the case of Balwoo Gongyang (traditional monastic meal), being late disrupts the flow for everyone else.
• Dress Code: Avoid wearing very short shorts or flashy, bright-colored clothes. It is polite to wear neutral or muted-colored clothing at the temple. If they provide training clothes, there’s no need to worry about it, right?

Tiny Tips from a Templestay Pro

• Insect Repellent: Since it's in the mountains, there are more mosquitoes and bugs than you might think. Especially if you go in summer or autumn, a repellent is an essential item.
• Enjoy the Morning Air: Even if you're tired, try to listen to the early morning Yebul sounds even just from behind your window. Just hearing the sound of the bell echoing through the clear air is worth the cost of the Templestay.
• Book in Advance: It's very popular on weekends. You should book at least a month ahead to secure your preferred spot. It's even more competitive during autumn foliage season or vacation seasons, so prepare well in advance.
• Enjoy Temple Food: Do you think you'll feel empty without meat? Surprisingly, it's really delicious. As you experience food that highlights the natural flavors of vegetables without any artificial seasonings, you'll feel your body becoming truly light.

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