Zee Kitchen Gallery: 2015

South Korea April 2015

“Seoul-Mihwangsa Temple”

Have you ever wondered why we are here? What is the purpose of “Life”? What should we do to fulfill our deep true self? How should we live, or spend our life to the utmost? Constantly reflect our thought to these questions is one of life essentials.

Traveling to South Korea and having a chance to stay in Mihwangsa Temple has awakened my inner self to a revelation of the ultimate truth in life. Although a high technology that South Korea has been presenting to the world, but on the contrary, I found the charming of it in an unknown part of South Korea -“Temple Stay”.

We signed up 2-day-1-night program at Mihwangsa temple, considered as one of the most beautiful temples in South Korea. The temple is in the southern-most of the mainland and surrounded by Dalmasan Mountain and the ocean. It has one of the best temple stay programs recommended by the temple stay management organization. The temple staffs are helpful and very friendly, especially Jajae (an English translator). The room is clean and tidy with a heater on cold nights.

It was a great soul-searching experience: for connecting our mind and body, for looking deeper and deeper inside ourselves and beyond the mind, for having wisdom and courage to see the real essence in life. A delightful memory of chanting and meditating with the monks early morning in the main Buddha hall still lingered in our mind. We are glad we joined this program.

Sunshine after the Rain at Mihwangsa Temple

The Main Buddha Hall

Morning Chanting in the Main Buddha Hall
(picture from Templestay korea)

Hiking to the Peak of Dharma Mountain

The Peak of Dharma Mountain

Nice and Clean Bedroom

Mihwangsa Temple Stay Information:

Immerse yourself with a general information of a temple stay on facebook at (templestay korea).
Check out the availability and make a reservation at (en.templestay.com). If you wish to stay longer, contact the temple staff (Jajae) directly via dalmaom@hanmail.net or Tel no. 061-533-3521.
We traveled from Seoul to Mihwangsa Temple by bus(5 hours). Starting from Seoul Central City Bus Terminal (Express Bus Terminal Subway) to Haenam.
Jajae (a very nice english speaking temple staff) picked us up at Haenam Bus Terminal. Contact via email: dalmaom@hanmail.net.

Mihwangsa Schedule;

12.30-3.00Pm: Arrive to Mihwangsa Temple
3.30Pm-4.00Pm: Registration

5.00Pm: Temple stay orientation

6.00Pm: Dinner

7.00Pm: Evening chanting (Yebul)

7.30Pm: Tea Meditation & Dharma Sharing

10.00Pm:Lights out and noble silence

4.00Am: Wake-up bell by Moktak

4.20Am: Morning chanting (Yebul)

5.00Am: Sitting meditation (Jhawsun)

6.30Am: Breakfast

7.30Am: Working Meditation (Oolyeok)

8.30Am: Individual practice or personal time

11.30Am:Lunch

12.00Pm:Individual practice or personal time

- Interesting activity near the temple:

Hike to the peak of Dalmasan mountain (Approximately 1 hour 30 minute-1.4Km), you can see the Mihwangsa temple and the sea on three sides. Prepare hiking boots, trekking poles, water, energy boosting snacks, and a jacket on cool weather.