Martial Arts Monks

📍 Distance from Gyeongju Station to Golgulsa Temple (approx. 27 km): 40 min

Upon arrival at Gyeongju train station, you will be greeted by a driver and transferred by private car to Golgulsa Temple for a memorable two-night stay. 

Golgulsa Temple is located at the foot of Hamwolsan Mountain and is the only stone cave temple in Korea. The stay will give you the unique opportunity to experience the simple, yet rewarding, lifestyle of Korean Buddhist monks. 

Check in begins at 14:30, after which you will follow the program set by the temple. This includes an orientation to temple etiquette and activities such as archery and meditation. You will also have the opportunity to observe and learn Sunmudo, a traditional Korean form of moving meditation that serves to develop mindfulness through motion.  It consists of five separate but related activities: Seon meditation, Seon yoga, Seon qigong, Seon gymnastics, and Seon martial arts. (Note: Sunmudo demonstrations not available on Mondays and Tuesdays)   

End your day with a healthy vegetarian dinner with simplicity of temple cuisine. (Note: The temple stay experience is subject to change.)

Your stay at the temple will include vegan meals. In alignment with Mahayana Buddhism, they are intended to nourish the body and mind, while bringing attention to Samsara, the endless wheel of life. 

Overnight at Golgulsa Temple outside of Gyeongju.
 

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

The day begins at 05:00, with a brisk hike uphill to a temple. This is followed by an early morning Buddhist service, with a Koren monk leading you in the practice of sitting and walking meditation. 

After clearing your mind with this morning session, enjoy breakfast at the temple.

Following a short break, you’ll begin Seonmundo training. This special form of martial arts was developed by Korean monks and integrated with their spiritual practices in order to be prepared if called to duty in times of war. After learning the basics of Seonmundo, continue with additional Buddhism practices and have tea with the head abbot. 

This afternoon, there are a choice of optional activities including archery and horseback riding (extra fee) as well as opportunities for more meditation practice and Seonmundo training. 

The exact program may change.

Overnight at Golgulsa Temple outside of Gyeongju.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Golgulsa Temple – Gyeongju Station (approx. 27 km): 40 min

Today, again, begins with an early morning wake up. Following the same schedule as the previous day,  you will have a series of group meditation sessions, followed by breakfast and Seonmundo training. 

After lunch at midday, check out of the temple and bid farewell to the monastic teachers.

Transfer to Gyeongju train station and travel to your onward destination. 
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch