Launched in 2002, ahead of the Korea/Japan FIFA World Cup, Korea’s Templestay Program has proved to be one of Korea’s most popular programs for tourists wishing to enjoy an authentic experience of Korean culture.
SEOUL- Launched in 2002, Korea’s Templestay Program remains after ten years of existence one of the most popular travel and tourism programs for locals and visitors alike. “As the keeper of traditional Korean culture beyond simple sightseeing, and as the new alternative space that embraces the neglected classes of our society, Templestay will continue in its movement for change,” said a spokesperson for the program’s organizing body Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism during a press conference last October.
Korea’s templestay programs include not only meditation and teaching about Buddhism but also opportunities to experience traditional Buddhist cuisine, which consists entirely of vegetarian dishes.
The Corps estimated that over 1.9 million people have participated in the program as of 2011, with a growth rate in participation of over 30 percent each year since 2002. Other accomplishments cited as particularly meaningful include the development of the experiential tourism trend as well as greater attention by the public to “inner healing” and self-reflection.
The Corps also announced that the program’s slogan will change in time for its next season of growth, from “A Journey in Search of Myself” to “A Happy Habit for Myself, the Templestay,” with new customized programs to be developed to suit the diverse needs and goals of participants.
In celebration of the program’s ten-year anniversary, various events will be taking place in the weeks ahead. At the Templestay Information Center located across the street from Jogyesa Temple in Seoul, the Templestay Tenth Anniversary Exhibition is still to be seen until December 2 (hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Visitors can learn more about the program and how it has changed over the years, as well as how to participate in the future.
Also released in time for this year’s anniversary and available for download at the Templestay website is a special anniversary album entitled “Precious Encounter” featuring collaborations by popular artists such as Lee Hyori, Lucid Fall and Yiruma.
More general information on the Templestay program can be found at the official website which is declined in six foreign languages including English, Japanese, Chinese, French, German and Spanish.
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
