The journey
Travel from Seoul to Sinheungsa Temple in Seoraksan National Park for an evening of chanting, tea meditation and stargazing with a resident monk, then ride the Seoraksan Cable Car to a mountain peak before returning to the city.
Mountains and Mindfulness at Sinheungsa is a two-day, one-night retreat at Sinheungsa Temple, set within Seoraksan National Park and reached by a pre-arranged bus and private transfer from Seoul. Arrive to an orientation in temple etiquette, then spend the afternoon at leisure or crafting traditional prayer beads, followed by a nourishing vegetarian temple dinner and an evening Buddhist chanting ceremony. The day closes with a tea meditation and starlight meditation session led by a resident monk, before a night in traditional ondol-style accommodation.
Highlights
- Stay overnight at Sinheungsa Temple within Seoraksan National Park
- Join an evening Buddhist chanting ceremony and a tea meditation session with a resident monk
- Take part in a starlight meditation session under the mountain night sky
- Craft traditional Buddhist prayer beads as a keepsake
- Ride the Seoraksan Cable Car and hike to a peak for panoramic mountain views
- Travel with an English-speaking guide throughout, translating the Korean-language temple programme
Included
Accommodation
1 night at Sinheungsa Temple, shared ondol-style room, near Sokcho
Activities
Temple orientation · prayer-bead making · Buddhist chanting ceremony · tea meditation and starlight meditation · dawn chanting ceremony · Seoraksan temple trail walk · Seoraksan Cable Car ride and peak hike
Also included
English-speaking guide throughout · round-trip express bus between Seoul Express Bus Terminal and Sokcho Bus Terminal, with private vehicle transfers to and from the temple · templestay uniform (vest and pants) · dinner on Day 1, breakfast on Day 2
The route
Two days across South Korea
1 stop · Sokcho
Sokcho
Stop 1 of 1
Journey's end
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Day by day
The route in detail
Day 1
Seoul to Sinheungsa Temple
Begin the journey at Seoul Express Bus Terminal, easily reached by public transportation or taxi, for a pre-arranged direct bus to Sokcho Bus Terminal, a smooth three-hour ride to the serene coastal region. On arrival, a private transfer takes you to the park's entrance, followed by a brief 20-minute drive through scenic landscapes to the base of the park and a pleasant 10-minute walk to historic Sinheungsa Temple. Check in and receive an orientation introducing basic temple etiquette and the rhythm of temple life. The afternoon is free for rest or independent exploration of the temple grounds, with the option to join a traditional prayer-bead-making activity. Dinner features nourishing vegetarian temple cuisine, embodying the Buddhist principles of mindfulness and simplicity, followed by an evening Buddhist chanting ceremony, an essential part of the programme. The day concludes with a tea meditation and starlight meditation session led by a resident monk, offering quiet reflection under the night sky. Lights out at 21:00. Overnight at Sinheungsa Temple.
Day 2
Sinheungsa Temple to Seoul
Begin with an optional dawn chanting ceremony, immersing you in the temple's tranquil spiritual rhythm, followed by a revitalising breakfast. The morning is free for quiet reflection or a gentle walk along the Seoraksan temple trails, combining light trekking with scenic mountain views. Check out, leaving with a sense of peace, mindfulness and connection to the temple's spiritual heritage. Walk with your guide towards the Seoraksan Cable Car for a scenic ride up the mountain, followed by a small hike to one of its peaks for panoramic views of the majestic Seoraksan range. Retrieve your bag and transfer by private vehicle to Sokcho Bus Terminal to board the bus back to Seoul Express Bus Terminal, marking the end of this memorable spiritual journey.
Moments
Along the way
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