The South Korean government is offering 50 percent discounts on temple stay programs across the nation throughout November as part of an initiative to boost autumn travel for both domestic and international visitors. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced this significant discount program, which allows travelers to experience traditional Buddhist temple life at reduced costs.
The initiative, officially called "Double Happiness Temple Stay," serves as the centerpiece of the "Autumn Travel for All 2025" campaign. This public tourism drive is directly connected to the Korea Grand Festival, a major government-sponsored shopping and cultural event that operates both online and offline through the end of this week.
Second Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Kim Dae-hyun personally visited Magok Temple in Gongju, South Chungcheong Province on Monday to inspect the temple stay facilities and collect feedback from staff members. Officials are preparing for an expected surge in visitors due to the attractive discount offer. Magok Temple, which received UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 2018, is one of 158 temples nationwide currently participating in the overnight experience program.
Temple stay programs offer a unique cultural immersion experience that invites participants to explore monastic life through various activities. These include meditation sessions, traditional tea ceremonies with Buddhist monks, authentic temple cuisine, and Buddhist chanting sessions. The programs have gained tremendous popularity among South Koreans seeking peaceful retreats from busy urban life, as well as foreign tourists interested in experiencing traditional Korean culture firsthand.
The program achieved record-breaking participation last year, attracting 332,297 participants according to ministry data. This impressive figure included nearly 49,000 international visitors, demonstrating the growing global appeal of this cultural experience. The substantial foreign participation highlights the program's success in promoting Korean Buddhist culture internationally.
Recognizing the increasing international interest, temple stay programs have expanded their accessibility for foreign visitors. Currently, 31 temples offer foreigner-friendly experiences with multilingual staff members who can communicate in various languages. Additionally, 15 temples have developed specialized programs that focus specifically on showcasing traditional Korean temple cuisine, providing visitors with an authentic culinary experience rooted in Buddhist traditions.
The government expects the discounted program will significantly broaden access to this cultural experience while simultaneously promoting wellness tourism and supporting regional economies. "Temple stay represents one of Korea's most meaningful cultural assets, offering both spiritual and emotional healing," Kim stated in an official announcement. "By joining this nationwide discount initiative, the program will also energize local economies and further spread the beauty of fall travel."
Travelers interested in participating in the discounted temple stay programs can find detailed information and make reservations through the official temple stay website. The November-long promotion represents a significant opportunity for both Korean residents and international visitors to experience this traditional cultural practice at an affordable price.
