Templestay in South Korea: 2 Days of Tranquility, Kindness, and Unexpected Moments at Geumsansa

(Part of my 30-day backpacking in South Korea)

Day 1 – The Journey, Temple Tranquility, and a Surprise Photoshoot

I caught the 11:00 AM bus from Gwangju to Jeonju after being dropped off by my incredibly kind host and his wife. The bus arrived a bit late, around 12:40 PM. From Jeonju, I walked to a nearby bus stop and hopped on Bus 79 toward Geumsansa.

Although Geumsansa was the final stop, I got off a little earlier and paid an extra ₩750. I must have looked completely lost because a kind Korean man noticed my confusion and immediately offered to help. Translating, explaining, and making sure I was on the right path. Moments like this remind me why traveling in Korea feels so warm and human.

I stopped by the Information Center to ask how to reach the temple and was told it was a 15–20 minute walk. I asked about taxis, and the staff said there weren’t any. He glanced at my backpacks, paused, then surprised me by offering me a ride himself. Truly, Koreans are on another level when it comes to kindness.

I arrived a bit early for check-in, but the temple welcomed me right away. Even better (or quieter): I was the only guest that night. Peaceful and just a little lonely.

I changed into the temple clothes given by Min Gyeong, who had been staying at the temple for a while and kindly acted as my interpreter. The regular “small” was huge on me, so I ended up wearing a kid’s size. Hahaha.

I wandered around the temple grounds until 4:00 PM, when Min Gyeong gave me a lesson on temple etiquette. Just as I was absorbing the calm atmosphere, a Korean man from Damyang approached and asked if he could take my photos. And just like that, I accidentally became a model. He took so many photos. It was random, hilarious, and oddly fun.

The photoshoot wrapped up around 6:00 PM for dinner, and wow, temple food deserves its own Michelin star. Everything was fresh, comforting, and delicious. I ate a lot, and somehow still felt light.

At 7:00 PM, we gathered at the Main Hall for a ceremony and meditation. A beautiful way to slow the mind and end the day. Later, Min Gyeong knocked on my door and invited me for evening tea. We sat in the Tea Room, sipping and chatting until 8:30 PM. Calm. Quiet. Sleep-inducing in the best way.

My friends were messaging me, but I didn’t feel like replying. Tonight was about stillness, reflection, and choosing silence without guilt.

From unexpected kindness to temple calm and surprise modeling gigs, Day 1 gently tugged at my heart.

Day 2 – 108 Bows, Rainstorms in Maisan, and a Perfectly Timed Ride

I woke up with a stubborn migraine, so I skipped the 4:30 AM ceremony and tea time. Even temple peace has its limits. I did manage to get up for the 6:00 AM breakfast, though, and Min Gyeong was there with a very kind monk. Quiet, humble, and grounding. Despite the headache.

Later that morning, we planned a hike, but the rain had other ideas. It started pouring, forcing us to turn back. No complaints here; it turned into a cozy morning of tea, yoga, and meditation. Basically, a spa day for the soul.

From 8:30 to 10:30 AM, we had rest time. Then came the moment I both feared and looked forward to: the 108 bows. I did all of them. With sore legs from hiking Hallasan. And somehow, it wasn’t even that hard. No sweat. Literally. Maybe I was a monk in a past life?

I now have my beads as proof that I did the 108 bows, and a strange sense of pride.

At noon, we shared our final meal with Min Gyeong, another lady, and the monk. Quiet, respectful, and nourishing in every sense. I wrote a goodbye message in the guestbook and thanked everyone.

Originally, I planned to head to Maisan on my own, hike a bit, and continue to Jeonju by evening. But fate stepped in again.

The monk was also heading to Maisan to visit a monk friend, and just like that, I scored a free ride with Min Gyeong and the monk behind the wheel. Peaceful, scenic, and completely unplanned. Sometimes, the universe really does give you the right ride at the right time.

It was raining hard. Monsoon-level rain. And yet, Maisan was full of hikers. Koreans truly don’t let the weather stop them.

By 5:00 PM, one last act of kindness: the monk dropped me directly at my guesthouse in Jeonju.