For this Temple Stay, I chose the Korean Culture Training Institute (한국문화연수원) in Gongju, Chungcheongnam-do. Right beside it sits Mago-sa Temple (마고사), hidden deep in the mountains. The moment you arrive, you feel completely disconnected from the city. Unlike tourist-heavy temples, this one feels authentic, quiet, and simple – a place where you can truly slow down.
✅ Getting There: Highly Recommend Driving
If you’re planning a visit, I strongly recommend driving. Public transportation is limited, and the mountain road is easier with a car. Many visitors say that driving up the mountain already helps your mind shift into a calmer mode, like entering a completely different world.
🛎️ Day 1 · Arrival & Check-in — Entering “Mountain Quiet Mode”
After arriving, I checked in at the front desk and received:
- Room key card
- Temple Stay clothing
- A simple guidebook
Changing into the loose-fitting temple clothes was surprisingly comforting. Many people say it feels like wearing school P.E. uniforms again—soft, simple, and perfect for meditation or walking.
The accommodation exceeded my expectations: clean rooms, heating/AC, and a peaceful atmosphere. It feels more like a nature retreat than a traditional temple, making it very beginner-friendly.
🌿 First Visit to Mago-sa — Mountain Silence at Its Best
Follow the wooden trail behind the institute and you’ll reach Mago-sa Temple. The path is lined with trees, wind, birds, and the soothing sound of a stream. Many visitors share the same impression:
“It’s peaceful and unhurried. Time slows down here.”
The temple is small, simple, and quietly beautiful—especially during sunset when the walls turn golden.
🔔 Evening Bell-Striking Ritual — A Unique Experience
At night, one of the highlights begins: the bell-striking ritual (범종 타종). The monk demonstrates the proper technique and allows participants to strike the giant bronze bell.
The deep, echoing “DOOOONG—” resonated through my chest. My honest reaction:
“The sound isn’t loud—it’s grounding. It brings you back to the present moment instantly.”
The walk back afterward is quiet and calming, with cool air and gentle darkness around the mountain.
🍃 Free Vegetarian Dinner & Breakfast
The institute provides:
- Vegetarian dinner
- Vegetarian breakfast
Meals are simple but clean: soup, mixed-grain rice, tofu, and mountain vegetables. Many Temple Stay participants say the same:
“The food is plain but surprisingly satisfying—light and gentle on the body.”
🌌 Nighttime Quiet — Hearing Wind, Water & Your Own Breathing
Back in the room, I experienced something unusual: I could hear the quiet. Not silence, but:
- Wind brushing through trees
- A stream flowing somewhere in the dark
- Occasional small animals passing by
- The cool mountain air
It felt like being wrapped in nature. My mind and shoulders naturally relaxed without any effort.
🌅 Day 2 · Morning Calm & Departure
I woke up not to an alarm, but to soft morning light and distant birdsong. The cool morning air made a short walk around the temple feel refreshing.
“The morning here cleans your mind.” “You don’t want to leave the slow rhythm.”
✅ Pros & Cons (My Experience + Other Visitors)
✅ Pros
- Extremely quiet and perfect for mental detox
- Beautiful natural surroundings
- More comfortable accommodation than traditional temples
- Bell-striking ritual is unforgettable
- Healthy free meals
- Distance from Seoul helps escape everyday stress
❗ Cons
- This is a “quiet retreat,” not an activity-focused trip
- Driving is almost necessary
- Fewer activities compared to more commercial temple programs
- Nights can be cold—bring warm layers
🌟 Final Verdict — Worth It for Foreign Visitors?
Absolutely yes. If you want a meaningful, peaceful cultural experience in Korea, this is a perfect choice. The atmosphere here is something you simply can’t find in the city or in typical tourist spots.
But if you’re looking for luxury, noise, or lots of entertainment, this isn’t the place.
For me, the stay felt like a gentle reset. In one sentence:
“The world didn’t change when I left—but my mind became much quieter.”
NoeLoom — Need Only Explore More 🌱 
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