Woljeongsa Temple Stopover and Prayer Bead Experience in PyeongChang!

One of the highlights of my Korea trip was spending a few hours at the Woljeongsa Temple in Pyeongchang. If you've read my previous posts then this is the calm before or after the heart-pumping and adrenalin-rushing Olympic event or Pyeongchang skiing adventure =) They said this is the filming site of the Korean drama Goblin.

woljeongsa-temple-korea.jpg

We were dropped off at the start of a quiet trail before the parking lot and walked our way towards the main site.

woljeongsa.jpg 

woljeongsa.jpg

We had about 20 minutes to spare so we took this forest route away from the crowd.

woljeongsa.jpg 

woljeongsa.jpg

I love walking paths like these - just easy, flat and almost no incline. We were surrounded by fir trees mostly and some artwork. They said this is a popular spot in Pyeongchang for lovers. I'll give you a glimpse of some of our walk highlights =)

woljeongsa-temple-korea.jpg 

woljeongsa-temple-korea.jpg 

woljeongsa-temple-korea.jpg 

woljeongsa-temple-korea.jpg 

woljeongsa-temple-korea.jpg 

woljeongsa-temple-korea.jpg 

temple-stay-korea.jpg 

temple-stay-korea.jpg

Time went by slow and I found myself recovering slowly from my bad dream the night before. Buddhist temples in Korea are located mostly in the mountains and this one, in my experience so far, is actually very friendly to cars and those who have difficulty walking. It is very very near the Alpensia Resort! When you see this bridge then you're close to the entrance. Just follow the Odaecheon stream.

temple-stay-korea.jpg 

temple-stay-korea.jpg 

temple-stay-korea.jpg 

temple-stay-korea.jpg

woljeongsa-temple-korea.jpg 

woljeongsa-temple-korea.jpg 

woljeongsa-temple-korea.jpg

We were ushered into a great hall where a monk taught us in English how to bow properly and make the 108 prostration beads. The temple offers free prayer bead making activities for foreigners every Wednesdays. Due to limited time, we did not do the 1-bow-for-every-bead times 108. I did this in Seoul during my Myogaksa Temple stay and felt very liberated afterwards. Imagine having to let go of yourself and everything more than a hundred times. The templestay experience is a must-try in Korea for me. All of it - the zen meditation, the early walks, the silence, the teachings, the food, the floors - I would gladly do it again for more than a night.

woljeongsa-temple-korea.jpg 

woljeongsa-templestay.jpg 

woljeongsa-templestay.jpg 

woljeongsa-templestay.jpg 

woljeongsa-temple-korea.jpg 

woljeongsa-temple-korea.jpg 

woljeongsa-temple-korea.jpg 

woljeongsa-temple-korea.jpg

Oh and they make their own duenjang! Food must be good =)

woljeongsa-temple-korea.jpg 

woljeongsa-temple-korea.jpg 

woljeongsa-temple-korea.jpg

Needless to say, I came out refreshed and ready to explore more of PyeongChang and Gangneung (main 2018 Winter Olympic and Paralympic venues) in the next days! This Gangwon tour was made possible by a partnership with the Korea Tourism Organization Manila Office. =)

woljeongsa-temple-korea.jpg 

woljeongsa-temple-korea.jpg

Temple Details:
Website and How to Get There
Reservations:
> Go to Temple Stay Korea website http://eng.templestay.com (+82-2-2031-2000, support@templestay.com, Facebook)
> Select Temple and Make Reservation by phone, email or website 
> Confirm Reservation and Pay the fee at the temple at your arrival date

Temple Stay: Woljeongsa Temple Stopover and Prayer Bead Experience in PyeongChang, Gangwon!

Where to Eat Hanwoo in PyeongChang Gangwon - Delicious Marbled Beef Korean BBQ at the Daegwallyeong Hanu Town Restaurant!

Where to Ski and Snowboard in Korea - Best Olympic Grade Ski Resorts in Pyeongchang, Korea near Seoul!

One Night in Seoul - Korean Air Flight Manila to Incheon, Where to Eat Tosokchon Ginseng Black Chicken and Shilla Stay Hotel in Gwanghwamun!

Try Korea Traditional Food Culture Experience - a Cooking Food Tour at the Jeongangwon Restaurant and Hanokstay near Seoul in Gangwon-do!