Amid Hectic Lives, Why Temple Stays are Gaining Popularity

Temple stay is a program where people of all ages—regardless of gender or background— gather at Buddhist temples to spend a day resting. It has attracted a growing number of participants seeking quietness and inner balance in an increasingly fast-paced world. What makes temple stay so appealing to so many people? To explore this question, ST visited Jogyesa Temple and experienced the program firsthand, looking closely at its unique charm and atmosphere........Ed

     From assignments and work messages to the endless stream of social media feeds, modern people are constantly exposed to an overwhelming amount of information and stimulation. As more individuals suffer from chronic stress, temple stay has been gaining attention as a new form of rest. Originally, temple stay was created as a program for experiencing Buddhist practice and study at temples. Recently, however, visitors have been seeking it as a place to clear their minds and rest. According to the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, last year’s temple stay visitors reached a record high of 349,219—the most in history. To understand this trend firsthand, this reporter participated in a temple stay program at Jogyesa Temple.

     Jogyesa is located in the heart of downtown Seoul. The iljumun, the temple’s front gate symbolizing the boundary between the secular world and the realm of Buddha, is traditionally passed with hands pressed together in greeting. That brief moment, bowing at the iljumun, is the beginning of reclaiming emotional stability.

     The day-use program included a visit to the information center, a guided tour of the main halls, a Buddhist ceremony, and a lotus lantern-making activity. Daeungjeon, the main hall of Jogyesa, houses three Buddha statues inside. Visitors quietly composed themselves before the imposing figures, offering three full bows with hands pressed together. The next stop, Beomjongnu, widely known as the site of the New Year’s bell-ringing ceremony, is normally restricted to the public, but temple stay participants were allowed inside. The repeated movements across the halls—walking, pressing palms together and bowing—amounted to an immersive experience linked to psychological change. According to a 2022 study by Im Hong-gyeong, participating in temple stay increased well being and self-efficacy, while lowering perceived stress and depression among participants.

     Temple stay is emerging not as a passing trend, but as a broader social movement. While alternatives such as meditation apps, YouTube healing content, and Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) exist, temple stay stands apart by offering an active experience in a physical space. This trend is spreading beyond religious purposes, linked to the growing mindfulness movement, particularly among people. If you find yourself exhausted by work, relationships, or the weight of everyday life, a nearby temple might provide the recovery you need.

              Ihm Jae-young (Web Editor)

pausoon@soongsil.ac.kr

Lee Chae-young (ST Cub-Reporter)

   codud@soongsil.ac.kr