'Cost-Effective Healing' in the Era of High Inflation: Temple Stays at 120 Temples Nationwide for 30,000 Won

Korean Buddhist Cultural Foundation to Operate at Over 120 Temples Nationwide
Reservations Open at 10 a.m. on April 7
Discount Promotion Linked to "Travel Month" Campaign... Runs Throughout May

A "value-for-money Temple Stay" program is being introduced for those considering domestic travel in May. The Korean Buddhist Cultural Foundation announced on March 23 that it will operate the "Double Happiness Temple Stay" at over 120 temples nationwide from May 1 to 31. This event is a discount promotion in conjunction with the "2026 Travel Month" campaign, which is hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and organized by the Korea Tourism Organization.

The Korean Buddhist Cultural Foundation announced on the 23rd that it will operate the "Double Happiness Temple Stay" at over 120 temples nationwide from May 1 to 31. Photo by Korean Buddhist Cultural Foundation

The participation fee is 30,000 won per person for both Koreans and foreigners for a one-night, two-day package. For the day program, foreigners can participate for 15,000 won. While Temple Stay programs have typically been recognized as religious experiences or focused on special programs, this event aims to lower the price barrier to attract a broader range of travelers.

In particular, this program stands out as a practical package that combines "rest" and "travel." Its main strength is that, even amid high prices and the increased burden of accommodation costs, participants can experience staying at a mountain temple at a comparatively low cost. It goes beyond a simple discount promotion, positioning Temple Stay as an alternative for spring domestic travel.

The operating period has been generously set for the entire month of May. It is designed to target not only demand during the holiday periods, such as Children's Day and Buddha's Birthday, but also those seeking short weekend trips or weekday relaxation. The plan is expected to lower the entry barrier not just for existing Temple Stay participants but also for newcomers trying temple experiences for the first time.

Reservations can be made through the Temple Stay reservation website. The reservation page will open at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7. Since discount benefits apply, reservations are expected to close on a first-come, first-served basis, so those who have confirmed their schedules and wish to participate should apply as soon as possible.

A representative from the Korean Buddhist Cultural Foundation said, "We hope that through this event, more people will be able to escape their daily routines and experience rest and rejuvenation at temples in May."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.