Naksan Myogaksa Temple
Naksan Myogaksa Temple
4.5
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Jongno-gu
How to get there
- Dongmyo • 6 min walk
- Changsin • 7 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,901 within 5 kms
Attractions
811 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
15 reviews
Excellent
8
Very good
7
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
EmilyHTnz
Auckland, New Zealand44 contributions
Aug 2013 • Solo
I wanted to try a templestay program to learn more about the Buddhist culture and history in Korea. I chose this place because it was in Seoul and close to a subway station so it would be easy to get to without a car. I stayed for the "2 day 1 night" program which really means 1 afternoon, 1 night, and 1 morning, all up about 24 hours.
Some of the activities we did include prostrations (standing, bending, kneeling, repeat), making a prayer bead string, meditation, ringing a big bell, walking in a park, and a tea ceremony. We ate traditional korean Buddhist food which is all vegetarian and not spicy, which was great because that is exactly the kind of food I like! We slept on what I assume are traditional mat/bed things. The facilities were very nice. I shared a room with another female participant. The room had aircon which was great because it was quite warm out.
The staff was very friendly and nice. We had the opportunity to have tea with the head monk. The other participants of the temple stay were mostly foreigners also interested in learning about Buddhist culture.
Overall I really enjoyed my experience and I'm glad I did it though I don't feel like I need to do it multiple times.
Some of the activities we did include prostrations (standing, bending, kneeling, repeat), making a prayer bead string, meditation, ringing a big bell, walking in a park, and a tea ceremony. We ate traditional korean Buddhist food which is all vegetarian and not spicy, which was great because that is exactly the kind of food I like! We slept on what I assume are traditional mat/bed things. The facilities were very nice. I shared a room with another female participant. The room had aircon which was great because it was quite warm out.
The staff was very friendly and nice. We had the opportunity to have tea with the head monk. The other participants of the temple stay were mostly foreigners also interested in learning about Buddhist culture.
Overall I really enjoyed my experience and I'm glad I did it though I don't feel like I need to do it multiple times.
Written 11 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
In Our Time
Brisbane, Australia209 contributions
Oct 2019
We organised this from Australia. Communication was quick and informative, however a I was a little concerned with the language barrier and interpretations. We had the best time. We did the 2 day / 1 night "where is your mind" program and would DEFINATELY recommend.
We arrived, met our other participants and chatted, english was the main language despite the various countries we all originated from. There was also a Korean speaking group that integrated with us which was no problem at all.
Our Sunin was awesome. She was friendly, her english fantastic, her sense of humour great and no question was too hard or "out of bounds". We started off with what my husband calls "Buddah burpies" the 108 prostrations. This was in your own time and pace. The necklace that you end up making is so very special....
Mind sharing and meditation, lots of lessons and explanations for those of us not accustomed to the Buddhist ways. We participated in at least two Buddhist ceremonies and also the striking of the bell which again is very significant.
Sleeping was uncomfortable, but hey - it was only one night. The floor although VERY hard was heated. I think we all tried practising our meditation throughout the night that we had learnt to try and get some rest.
The food was yummy and a pleasant surprise. We had been to a monastery in Hong Kong and were very underwhelmed so extremely wary. Your choice on what you eat, only condition is that you eat everything you take. All dishes were labelled with good descriptions.
The Tea Ceremony that we finished with was really interesting - to learn the why and not just participate.
I would HIGHLY recommend a temple stay. Our initial group split to half (approx 20) after dinner - with those leaving most disappointed that they hadn't booked early enough to spend the night. This was definitely the highlight of our time in Seoul - an opportunity to really experience the ways and customs of tradition.
Note - you are provided with pants and a VEST which you are required to wear for the duration of your stay. Make sure you have a top to wear underneath. Also the morning bell ceremony (4.45am) is quite cool - so again, be prepared for the weather.
We arrived, met our other participants and chatted, english was the main language despite the various countries we all originated from. There was also a Korean speaking group that integrated with us which was no problem at all.
Our Sunin was awesome. She was friendly, her english fantastic, her sense of humour great and no question was too hard or "out of bounds". We started off with what my husband calls "Buddah burpies" the 108 prostrations. This was in your own time and pace. The necklace that you end up making is so very special....
Mind sharing and meditation, lots of lessons and explanations for those of us not accustomed to the Buddhist ways. We participated in at least two Buddhist ceremonies and also the striking of the bell which again is very significant.
Sleeping was uncomfortable, but hey - it was only one night. The floor although VERY hard was heated. I think we all tried practising our meditation throughout the night that we had learnt to try and get some rest.
The food was yummy and a pleasant surprise. We had been to a monastery in Hong Kong and were very underwhelmed so extremely wary. Your choice on what you eat, only condition is that you eat everything you take. All dishes were labelled with good descriptions.
The Tea Ceremony that we finished with was really interesting - to learn the why and not just participate.
I would HIGHLY recommend a temple stay. Our initial group split to half (approx 20) after dinner - with those leaving most disappointed that they hadn't booked early enough to spend the night. This was definitely the highlight of our time in Seoul - an opportunity to really experience the ways and customs of tradition.
Note - you are provided with pants and a VEST which you are required to wear for the duration of your stay. Make sure you have a top to wear underneath. Also the morning bell ceremony (4.45am) is quite cool - so again, be prepared for the weather.
Written 13 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gombung
Seoul, South Korea41 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
The temple is in the middle of residential area.
It is small but quiet and peaceful.
I can't say there are many things to see, but I liked being there.
It is small but quiet and peaceful.
I can't say there are many things to see, but I liked being there.
Written 26 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily K
Honolulu, HI54 contributions
Sept 2018 • Friends
Learned a lot from the Sunim who is very accommodating and even funny. She has a way of keeping everybody engaged and interested in learning. Food was delicious! If you have back problems, I would do one day experience instead. Overall, great cultural experience.
Written 16 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karina M
10 contributions
Mar 2016 • Solo
I regret not doing a longer temple stay! I went for an afternoon and had an amazing time. The program was really great at introducing someone like myself, with little knowledge of buddhism, to the fundamentals of buddhism and meditation practice. Our Zen master was wonderful and she was so well spoken and a great teacher. She really spoke from her personal experience and helped make the practice seem easily accessible, even to a newcomer. We made the prostration beads, had meditation followed by a tea ceremony and a delicious vegetarian dinner. Would recommend to anymore as a great way to learn about korean culture as well as explore your own way of thinking about the world.
Written 1 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ignacioavellino
Paris, France206 contributions
Apr 2015 • Friends
We visited the temple and had an amazing experience. We learned about its history and about the tradition in Korea. We did Zen meditation, prostrations, and built our own necklace souvenirs. We also had the rare opportunity of having tea with the master, where he talked to us and we gained insight on Buddhism!
Written 24 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charlie A
Cairns Region, Australia35 contributions
Oct 2014 • Solo
Right in the heart of Seoul you have the opportunity to do this Temple stay. It gives you a great insight into Buddhism. On arriving you are given your uniform (shirt is complimentary to take with you). Your program consists of pray bead making, mediation with a Zen Master as well as the Sangha. Delicious vegetarian dinner and breakfast. Would definitely participate in another Templestay. "G" was our very organised and efficient co-ordinator.
Written 1 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill C
Montreal, Canada23 contributions
Sept 2014 • Couples
We spent an afternoon, a temple visit, participating in their program. We performed the ceremonies, had tea and a very enlightening discussion with the Zen Master and finished the program with a temple (vegetarian) dinner.
A good way to learn about one of Korea's major religions.
A good way to learn about one of Korea's major religions.
Written 17 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
polarisMontreal
Montreal44 contributions
Sept 2013 • Friends
In the heart of Seoul, Myogaksa is Korean Buddhist temple offering a short stay (two days and one night), with a special program for visitors, mostly foreigners, wanting to discover Korean buddhist rituals, which fill a day in the life of a monk. It was a very inspiring exprience, animated by the female monk, Yeo Yeo.
Prayer with 108 beads on string, meditation, morning bell ritual, and finaly, tea ceremony, were the most impressive moments of our stay.
For travellers interested in Korean religious culture, it is the best way to get in touch with this rich spiritual heritage.
Prayer with 108 beads on string, meditation, morning bell ritual, and finaly, tea ceremony, were the most impressive moments of our stay.
For travellers interested in Korean religious culture, it is the best way to get in touch with this rich spiritual heritage.
Written 10 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing