Templestay – Guinsa Temple (Danyang, Chungcheongbuk-do)

Guinsa Temple in Danyang, Chungcheongbuk-do.

Introduction to Temple

Guinsa Temple is located in Danyang, Chungcheongbuk-do. And the name of the temple means “Salvation of Humanity Temple” in English. Guinsa Temple is located up a long valley north of the towering Mt. Sobaeksan (1439.6 m). The temple was first completed in 1945, when a small hut was built on the grounds by the founder, Sangwol-wongak, of the modern Cheontae-jong Order. During the Korean War (1950-1953), the temple was destroyed by fire. Then in 1966, Guinsa Temple was rebuilt and expanded.

Guinsa Temple is the headquarters to the Cheontae-jong Order in Korea, which governs over 140 temples like Samgwangsa Temple in Busan. Also, the Cheontae-jong Order has over two million adherents. In total, the temple is home to fifty buildings that include shrine halls, meeting centres, dorms, and administrative offices. The temple is so large that it can house up to 10,000 monks at any given time.

Guinsa Temple offers an impressive 5 Templestay programs at their temple. All 5 programs are at least 1 night and two day programs. During these programs, the temple offers a wide variety of activities like a temple tour, bead making, tea time with a monk, meditation, and so much more.

For more on Guinsa Temple.

Directions

To get to Guinsa Temple, you’ll first need to get to the Danyang Intercity Bus Terminal. From this terminal, you’ll need to board a bus bound for Guinsa Temple. The first bus for Guinsa Temple leaves at 9:20 a.m., and the last bus leaves at 8:20 p.m. This bus leaves every hour.

Templestay Programs

Guinsa Temple offers the most Templestay programs at their temple. In total, they offer 5 programs. They are the Be Like a Monk for 4 Nights and 5 Days Program, the Mountain & I Program, the Let It Go: With Walking Meditation Program, the For Re-Participants Program, and the Let It Be: Tea with a Monk Program. All five programs offer a wide variety of activities for participants. Here are each of their schedules:

A: Be Like a Monk for 4 Nights and 5 Days Program

There doesn’t appear to be a formal schedule for this program; instead, what it looks like is that you’ll actually live and participate in temple life like a monk.

B: Mountain & I Program

Time	Title
00:00-00:00	Program Can Be Changed
13:00-14:00	Check-In
14:30-15:30	Orientation
15:30-17:30	Prayer Bead Making & Temple Tour
17:30-18:00	Evening Ceremony
18:00-19:00	Dinner
19:00-22:00	Tea with a Monk and Free Time
22:00-03:00	Bedtime

Time	Title
03:30-04:30	Early Morning Ceremony
04:30-06:00	Free Time
06:30-07:00	Breakfast
08:20-09:30	Walking Meditation
09:30-10:30	Free Time
10:30-11:00	Check-Out

(This schedule is subject to change)

C: Let It Go: With Walking Meditation Program

Time	Title
00:00-00:00	Program Can Be Changed
14:00-14:30	Check-In
14:30-15:30	Orientation
15:30-17:30	Temple Tour & Prayer Bead Making
17:30-18:00	Evening Ceremony
18:00-19:00	Dinner
19:00-22:00	Free Time
22:00-03:00	Bedtime

Time	Title
03:30-04:30	Morning Ceremony
06:30-07:00	Breakfast
07:00-08:30	Free Time
08:20-09:30	Walking Meditation
09:30-10:30	Free Time
10:30-11:00	Check-Out

(This schedule is subject to change)

D: For Re-Participants Program

Time	Title
00:00-00:00	Program Can Be Changed
13:00-14:00	Check-In
14:30-15:30	Orientation
15:30-17:30	Prayer Bead Making & Temple Tour
17:30-18:00	Evening Ceremony
18:00-19:00	Dinner
19:00-22:00	Tea with a Monk – Free Time
22:00-03:00	Bedtime

Time	Title
03:30-04:30	Morning Ceremony
06:30-07:00	Breakfast
07:30-10:30	Free Time
10:30-11:00	Check-Out

(This schedule is subject to change)

E: Let It Be: Tea with a Monk Program

Time	Title
00:00-00:00	Program Can Be Changed
14:00-14:30	Check-In
14:30-15:30	Orientation
15:30-17:30	Prayer Bead Making & Temple Tour
17:30-18:00	Evening Ceremony
18:00-19:00	Dinner
19:00-22:00	Tea with a Monk – Free time
22:00-03:00	Bedtime

Time	Title
03:30-04:30	Morning Ceremony
06:30-07:00	Breakfast
07:30-10:30	Free Time
10:30-11:00	Check-Out

(This schedule is subject to change)

Temple Information

Address: 73 Guinsa-gil, Yeongchun-myeon, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do

Tel: 043-420-7425,7397

E-mail: [email protected]

Fees

Be Like a Monk for 4 Nights and 5 Days Program – adults – 200,000 won; students (up to 18 years of age) – 200,000 won

Mountain & I Program – adults – 60,000 won; students (up to 18 years of age) – 60,000 won; pre-schoolers – 60,000 won

Let It Go: With Walking Meditation Program – adults – 60,000 won; students (up to 18 years of age) – 60,000 won

For Re-Participants Program – adults – 60,000 won; students (up to 18 years of age) – 60,000 won; pre-schoolers – 60,000 won

Let It Be: Tea with a Monk Program – adults – 60,000 won; students (up to 18 years of age) – 60,000 won

*The cancellation policy is as follows: 3 days before: 100% refund; 2 days before: 50% refund; 1 day before: 10% refund; the day of the reservation there is no refund.