Bongeunsa Temple is an enriching place for foreigners to experience traditional Korean culture at the heart of Seoul in Gangnam. More than 7,000 foreigners have enjoyed its programs among the 15,000 people visiting it annually.Bongeunsa is one of the 21 temples managing temple stays exclusively for foreigners among 142 of such establishments nationwide.  The program, called Thursday Temple Life, is held every Thursday for foreigners. There is also a two-day experiencing program for foreigners. Once you enter the temple, you will find an information desk for foreigners’ temple stay on the left. The temple provides tours at all times, limited to foreigners requesting them. The Thursday Temple Life program consists of a temple tour, a tea-drinking ceremony, and an activity where Buddhist scriptures are copied with golden leaves. For group reservations, the schedule and program can be adjusted. 

The two-day program entails reading Buddhist scriptures, having a Buddhist service, making an offering to Buddha, walking a bamboo forest trail, meditating with Buddhist monks, and bowing 108 times to find happiness. 

[Wellness program]

① Thursday temple life for foreigners: 2 hours, KRW 20,000  

② For group reservations for temple life, the schedule can be adjusted. The basic program costs KRW 20,000, and KRW 10,000–20,000 is charged for each added program.  

③ Two-day experiencing program for foreigners: KRW 70,000