Tongdosa Temple is one of Korea's five "Palaces of the Jewel of Nirvana," where the relics of the Buddha substitute for a statue. Precept Master Jajang brought the relics, including a part of the Buddha's robes, from China and enshrined them in 646 C.E. Consequently, the temple represents one of Korea's Three Jewel Temples, and it is also a Full Monastic Training Temple, along with Yeongchuk Monastery. Unlike most temples, Tongdosa Temple’s Daeungjeon Hall has no Buddha statue; instead, it houses the Buddha’s relics at the Ordination Platform known as Geumganggyedan. In addition, all monks must pass through this Diamond Precept Platform (Geumganggyedan) at the temple, where ordinations take place. Mt. Yeongchuk, which surrounds the temple, resembles Mt. Grdhrakatu, where the Buddha delivered the Lotus Sutra. The name "Tongdo" means "Pass through (to) Enlightenment."
The templestay at Tongdosa is conducted on a scale befitting the grandeur of this historic temple. It begins with participants learning the proper temple etiquette directly from the monks, followed by a brief yet essential presentation on the temple’s cultural heritage, provided by the volunteer group Jeokmyeol-doryanghoe. Although the duration is short, the focus is on imparting core knowledge about Tongdosa. As the sun sets, participants take the lotus lanterns they have crafted throughout the day and enter the shrine where the Buddha's relics and robes are enshrined, sitting in meditation in front of the relic stupa. This experience is unique to Tongdosa and can only be encountered through participation in the templestay program. Many attendees choose to partake in the temple stay primarily for this experience, highlighting the significance of shrine meditation as a key element of the Tongdosa templestay and ensuring satisfaction for all participants.
After the meditation, a sermon by a monk begins, accompanied by delicious snacks to ease any hunger. While listening to the sermon, participants may find themselves unraveling the web of questions and doubts that have lingered in their minds. Before dawn breaks, at a time when many might still be asleep under the covers, you will find yourself already seated in the main dhamma hall at Tongdosa. The solemn resonance of the early morning Buddhist ceremony naturally evokes a sense of reverence. Following the morning ceremony, participants engage in performing 108 prostrations at Yeongsanjeon. In the darkness, illuminated only by the light of two candles, these prostrations provide an opportunity for reflection and repentance, guiding individuals toward a more righteous path. The conclusion of the temple stay takes place at one of Tongdosa’s seventeen hermitages, marking a moment when connections forged among strangers during the one-night, two-day stay culminate in gratitude and smiles. With its open-air museum-like atmosphere, Tongdosa is a place where participating in a templestay deserves a spot on one’s life bucket list.
The Rest type option provides access only to the room and the dining hall (the room contains only bedding). As this is a Rest type stay, we will offer guidance solely for your room. All other activities, including participation in prayer services and meals, should be managed independently. Reservations can be made on days without group templestays, regular templestays, or other events at Tongdosa Temple. The Experience type is a regular templestay conducted once or twice a month, where individuals gather to participate collectively. The schedule for reservations is announced a month in advance and will occur on days when there are no events at Tongdosa Temple. Accommodation is shared and segregated by gender. Reservations must be made at least three days in advance; bookings made the day before or on the day of the stay are not accepted. To confirm your reservation, a deposit is required. If the deposit is not made within three days, the reservation will be canceled.
★ Refund Policy
  5 days before : 100% refundable / 3~4 days before : 70% refundable / 1~2 days before : 50% refundable / On the day : None
♣ Contact TEL : +82-55-384-7111 (9:00 AM ~ 5:00 PM) / Lunch time: 11:30 AM ~ 1:00 PM)  FAX : +82-55-384-8111                   E-mail : templestay@tongdosa.or.kr