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The Sound of Silence: Essential Etiquette for a Korean Temple Stay

· 2 min read
Elena Vance
Elena Vance
Editor-in-Chief & Logistics Expert

A Temple Stay is not a vacation; it is a glimpse into the monastic life. For 24 hours, you trade your smartphone for prayer beads and your stress for silence. But this tranquility comes with a strict set of rules.

Here is what you need to know before you bow.

The Sound of Silence: Essential Etiquette for a Korean Temple Stay

1. Entering the Sanctuary: Manners (Yejeol)​

As soon as you cross the "Iljumun" (One Pillar Gate), you are in sacred space.

  • Hapjang: This is the universal greeting. Place your palms together at chest height and bow slightly. Do this whenever you see a monk, enter a hall, or pass by a pagoda.
  • Chasu: When walking around the grounds, place your right hand over your left hand at your navel. Walk mindfully, not hurriedly.
  • Mook-eon (Noble Silence): Keep your voice low. Loud laughter or running is disrespectful to the practitioners.

2. The Meal Ritual: Barugongyang​

For many, this is the most challenging part. It entails "eating with gratitude."

  • Zero Waste: You must eat everything you take. A single grain of rice represents the sweat of 88 farmers.
  • The Cleaning Ritual: After finishing your meal, pour warm water into your rice bowl. Use a slice of yellow radish (Danmuji) to scrub the bowl clean.
  • The Final Sip: Pour the cloudy water into your soup bowl, then drink it. It ensures nothing is wasted and returns the bowls to a pristine state.

3. The Physical Challenge: 108 Bows​

You may be asked to perform 108 Bows (Baekpalbae).

  • Why? To cleanse 108 human delusions and anxieties.
  • How? It is a full prostration: Knees down, hands down, forehead to the floor, palms up. Doing this 108 times is physically demanding but mentally clearing.

4. Practical Tips for Survival​

  • The Uniform: You will be given a comfortable vest and baggy pants. Wear them at all times.
  • Socks are Mandatory: You will take your shoes off entering every hall. Bare feet are considered rude.
  • The Schedule: Be prepared to wake up at 3:30 AM or 4:00 AM for the morning chanting (Yebul). It is early, but the sound of the drum echoing through the mountains is worth it.

Leave your ego at the gate, and you might find something better waiting for you inside.