Martial Arts Monks

Upon arrival at Gyeongju train station, you will be greeted by our 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 South Korea. The stay will give you the unique opportunity to experience the simple, yet rewarding, lifestyle of Korean Buddhist Monks.

Check in begins at 2.30pm, 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 and enjoy the 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.

The day begins at 5.00am with a brisk hike uphill to a temple. This is followed by an early morning Buddhist service, with a Korean 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 Sunmudo 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 Sunmudo, continue with additional Buddhism practices and enjoy 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 Sunmudo training.

Today 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 Sunmudo training.

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

Transfer by private car to Gyeongju train station and travel to your onward destination.