Bonghwa Chukseosa Temple Stay: a time to fully rest and practice in nature, calming the mind and thoughts

Escape from a busy and complicated everyday life, and relax in a deep forest temple, learning to calm your mind through practice.This is a time to learn how to clear your mind of difficult and painful thoughts through meditation, seated contemplation, and prayers. Enjoy the beautiful nature, regain your peace, and build the strength to view and change your life anew.

1. A calming time to heal the mind
Master Chuksosa says that if your mind is restless, you can easily get hurt by small words and face anxiety and difficulties in relationships. Here, you can learn how to let go of your troubled heart and find peace through nature and relaxation.In the regular life of the temple, such as seated meditation, prayer, and serving food, take some time to look deeply into your heart.When your pain disappears and your heart becomes calm, you will naturally start to understand and care for others.

2. Life changes made through practice
This project is a time to strengthen your inner self while calming a restless heart through daily life in the temple. As you consistently engage in various practices like walking meditation, 108 bows, cleaning the temple, and sitting meditation, your mind will become tranquil, and you will learn which activities offer you peace and mindfulness. A relaxed mind helps improve focus, allowing you to immerse yourself deeply in daily life, and it leads to self-reflection on your life attitude and direction. Through this project, you will gain the strength to see your life in a new way.

3. Rest and healthy living in nature
Chuksosa Temple, located deep in Mount Munsu's forest, is a space to completely relax and escape from the city's noise and busy lifestyle. You can feel your body and mind recover healthily through fresh air, healthy temple food, and a regular routine.Also, the time spent sharing tea and conversation in the beautiful nature of the temple goes beyond simple relaxation; it becomes a time to learn how to restore yourself. Let go of impatience, take a deep breath slowly, and build the strength to face new challenges.

This is a project to take care of your mind while practicing at a quiet temple in Bonghwa, Gyeongsangbuk-do. You can take a walk on forest paths, clean the temple, talk with the monk, and enjoy beautiful temples and nature while having some relaxing time.You will feel your troubled mind disappear and gain a fresh and comfortable body and mind.

Main activities of the project

• Meditation: This is a time to quietly close your eyes and focus. By slowly breathing with nature, your mind calms down, and anxiety eases. You learn to do this every day to feel comfortable and build concentration.
• Tea time: This is a time to drink warm tea and chat comfortably with the monk. In a quiet atmosphere, talking about your worries or curiosities can lighten your heart and give you new perspectives. Sometimes the monk's wise words provide advice, and other times they help you find your own answers.
• Zen meditation: This practice involves sitting on a cushion and fully focusing on your breath and mind. You can feel your cluttered thoughts vanish and find your center. Zen helps reduce worries and noise in your mind, making it easier to make clear decisions in daily life.
  
• Offering prayers: This practice shows respect to the Buddha in front of the Buddha statue and reflects on oneself. You perform this in various ways, like singing, chanting, and bowing, learning gratitude and discipline while sharing an experience that blends with the rhythm of the community. Through prayer, you will feel a renewed respect for yourself, others, and nature.
  
• Volunteer work: This involves doing activities to care for the temple or cultivate nature together with others. Simple tasks like sweeping the yard, organizing trees, and taking care of flowers can clear your mind as you put your heart into them. Sharing this time in the community builds kindness and gratitude.
  
• Eating together: This is a time to experience traditional temple meal etiquette. You receive food with care and eat quietly while thinking about the meaning of the meal. Slowing down and savoring each meal can change your attitude toward gratitude and how you approach food and life.
  
  
  

Example daily schedule of the project
This project stays at Chuksosa, which holds the beautiful landscape and rich history of Bonghwa, while learning Zen and meditation.

Day 1 (Orientation)

Time	Schedule
3:00 PM ~ 4:30 PM	Room assignment and rest
4:30 PM ~ 5:30 PM	Introduction to the temple and learning etiquette
5:30 PM ~ 7:00 PM	Dinner
7:00 PM ~ 8:00 PM	Tea time with the monk
8:00 PM ~ 3:00 AM	Rest and sleep

Example daily schedule

Time	Schedule
3:00 AM ~ 3:20 AM	Wake up
3:20 AM ~ 4:30 AM	Morning prayer and 108 bows
4:30 AM ~ 5:30 AM	Prayer, meditation or Zen practice
5:30 AM ~ 7:30 AM	Volunteer work and breakfast
7:30 AM ~ 10:30 AM	Rest and free practice
10:30 AM ~ 1:30 PM	Volunteer work and lunch
1:30 PM ~ 4:30 PM	Rest and free practice
5:00 PM ~ 6:30 PM	Volunteer work and dinner
7:00 PM ~ 8:30 PM	Prayer, meditation or Zen practice
8:30 PM ~ 3:00 AM	Sleep

* The above program is an example to help understand the activities. The program may change depending on local conditions.
We recommend a 3-night, 4-day program for those who are new to meditation or Zen practice.

Additional Information

- The schedule may change based on the weather and local conditions.

- Please follow temple etiquette.

- When you see a monk, greet them with a bow and put your hands together.

- Please be mindful not to make loud noises during your stay.

- Drinking alcohol, smoking, and bringing outside food into the temple are prohibited.

- Please turn off your phone or set it to silent while at the temple.

- Do not impose your religion or lifestyle on others.

- Please respect mealtime schedules.

Participant Reviews

It was very helpful and comfortable. I found the possibility of achieving peace of mind.

Being in nature away from the city made my body and mind feel relaxed and stable. Everyone at the temple was kind and warm, which made my stay very comfortable. I had a meaningful time reflecting on myself through prayers and the 108 bows. Thank you. May everyone attain enlightenment.

While experiencing calmness through meditation, many thoughts came to mind, and I realized that I often think too much. I also learned that focusing on daily tasks is necessary and important. I sincerely thank everyone who prepared and guided this program.

Although it was my first time participating as a child interested in Buddhism, I felt deep gratitude for the monk's clear and bright teachings. This experience made me reflect on Buddhism again, as they aimed to teach me even more. I pray that the seeds in everyone's hearts grow and bear good fruit.

I will not forget the true meditation and emptiness I gained, the fresh morning air at the mountain temple, the ringing of the bell, and the monk's good teachings and kindness.

The project is located at the foot of Munsubong Mountain, which means it's a place where eagles live. In Buddhism, the eagle represents wisdom, which refers to the many Bodhisattvas who have great wisdom. It was founded by Master Uisang in the 13th year of King Munmu's reign in Silla. However, during the late Joseon period, the village militia used this site as a base during their resistance against Japan. The Japanese destroyed everything except for the main hall in their operations against the militia. Starting in 1996, construction work began, and the temple has taken on its current form. In the center of the temple, there is a stupa that contains the true relics of Buddha, which adds to the spiritual atmosphere. Also, the 'Amitabha Triple Statue' is a unique three-dimensional stone statue, making it a popular prayer site for many Buddhists.

You will stay in a hanok guesthouse where 2 to 4 people can stay together. The guesthouse has heated flooring and provides bedding and blankets. It has basic facilities, and the bathroom and shower are shared but have hot water that works well.

Location:Gyeongsangbuk-do, Bonghwa

Bonghwa County in Gyeongsangbuk-do is a healing travel destination with clean nature and quiet mountain village scenery. Located near Baekdudaegan, it has cool air and lovely forest paths, making it a great place to escape the busy everyday life and find rest.

1. National Baekdudaegan Arboretum
This national facility is set up for forest conservation and education, including theme gardens, outdoor exhibition spaces, and research areas for biological resources. It displays various alpine plants, medicinal plants, and wildflowers throughout the year, making it a great place to learn about nature while walking. The architecture and landscaping of the arboretum are also excellent, along with forest explanation programs suitable for family travelers.

2. Cheongnyangsan Provincial Park
Cheongnyangsan, the representative mountain of Bonghwa County, is famous for its beautiful hiking trails, rocky cliffs, unique stone formations, and scenic views from the sky bridge. At the peak, you can find the serene Cheongnyangsa Temple, along with places like Eungjinjeon, Kimsaenggul, and Seonyugyo, allowing you to enjoy both scenery and culture. There are various hiking courses from 1 to 9 hours, so it is enjoyable for both beginners and experienced hikers.

3. Bunchun Santa Village
Bunchun Santa Village is a ‘Santa-themed’ village that shines during the winter festival at the end of the year. The V-train heading here is a slow tourist train that passes through the Nakdong River gorge, offering stunning views of the mountains and rivers. There are various fun activities such as VR experiences and a mini train, making it enjoyable for both kids and adults.

The cost of this project is easily checked at the top of the current page for details based on period and options.

Target audience and qualifications

- Anyone, adult men and women

- People who feel troubled and confused

- People who are struggling and tired from relationships

- People interested in Buddhist culture or temple life

- People who want to find peace in a quiet environment

- People who want to overcome difficult situations and change their lives

1. This project is for people who are 19 years old or older.

2. After the project is confirmed, we cannot refund for personal reasons.

3. When you apply for the project, you agree to the refund policy.

4. This project has a strict refund policy. If you cancel before the project is confirmed, you will get a 100% refund of the project fee. For more information on refunds, please check the refund policy.

5. The project schedule and details may change due to local conditions such as traffic or weather, and they might be reduced or changed if necessary.

6. This project is operated by a cooperating organization, so the local organization is responsible for the actual operation.

7. Please make travel arrangements after you get final confirmation of your project participation. We will provide individual updates after the confirmation.

Details of support

• Project application and participation fee
• Participant outfit (vest, pants)
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner served
• Accommodation at the temple

General items for participants

- personal toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash), towel, toothbrush, extra clothes, sneakers (comfortable shoes), socks, personal (insulated) water bottle (cup)
*In winter, it is recommended to bring warm clothes like a coat, inner wear, and a knee blanket.
*Please prepare other personal items individually.

Exclusions

• Transportation to and from the experience venue (participants travel individually)
• Personal living items
• Other local expenses (snacks, souvenirs, etc.)
• Travel insurance