In this season when the busy heart is tired and wants to pause somewhere, November, with its changing leaves, offers a special opportunity for those seeking a moment of peace. Jeonnam Province announced on the 11th that it will operate the 'Jeonnam Happiness Double Temple Stay' program, offering a 50% discount on participation fees at 15 temples in the province throughout November.
This program is part of the '2025 Travel Autumn' campaign linked to the government-wide 'Korea Grand Festival'. It is a perfect time for those who have been interested in temple stays but hesitated due to cost concerns.
Experience True Rest at a Thousand-Year-Old Temple, 15 Temples in Jeonnam Await You
The participating temples include Boseong Daewonsa, Haenam Daehungsa, Gangjin Baengnyeonsa, Jangseong Baekyangsa, Yeonggwang Bulgapsa, Naju Bulhoesa, Suncheon Seonamsa and Songgwangsa, Wando Sinhungsa, Hwasun Ssangbongsa and Unjusa, Gurye Yeonggoksa and Cheoneunsa, and Yeosu Hyangilam and Heungguksa, totaling 15 locations. Each temple holds its own history and beauty, ensuring a profound experience no matter which one you choose.
In particular, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Suncheon Seonamsa and Songgwangsa offer a serene atmosphere that harmonizes with the autumn foliage. Haenam Daehungsa, located at the foot of Duryunsan Mountain, is renowned as a meditation travel destination that embraces both mountains and the sea.
Meditation, Morning Prayer, and Temple Food... Times to Let Go of Daily Life
Temple stays are healing experiences that go beyond simple accommodation. Through tea talks with monks, participants share life wisdom and calm their scattered minds with deep breathing and walking meditation. By participating in morning prayers, they face themselves in tranquility and reflect on the value of food through temple food offerings.
The experience of making temple food is particularly noteworthy these days, as interest in healthy eating has risen. Temple food made from seasonal natural ingredients is also a key aspect of wellness tourism that purifies both body and mind.
Global Meditation Travel with Foreigners
Recently, temple stays have gained great popularity among foreign tourists. This is because Korea's traditional Buddhist culture and meditation programs align with global wellness trends. In response, Haenam Daehungsa and Jangseong Baekyangsa have deployed specialized personnel for foreigners to participate in the programs without language barriers.
50% Discount Until November 30
To promote the excellence of Namdo temples, Jeonnam Province provides promotional videos for each temple and actively promotes temple stay meditation tourism through online and offline channels. Reservations can be made on the official temple stay website (www.templestay.com), and the 50% discount is applicable until November 30.
Oh Mi-kyung, head of the Jeonnam Tourism Division, stated, "Namdo temples will be the best resting place for tired modern people," and added, "We will continue to support the integration of Jeonnam's beautiful natural environment and excellent temple culture to establish temple stay meditation tourism as a part of wellness tourism."
As November deepens, this is an opportunity to find double the relaxation at half the cost. How about temporarily setting down the burdens of your heart and meeting your true self in the tranquility of a thousand-year-old temple?