New Year Temple Stay Experience
531 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
봉은사
Starting the New Year with a temple stay is a profound way to reflect and reset. I made my reservation for Bongeunsa Temple (봉은사) two months in advance to ensure a spot in their special New Year program. From the meditative 108 prostrations to the historic bell-ringing ceremony and a walk through the temple's secret forest, every moment was designed to welcome 2026 with mindfulness and peace.
Despite the extreme winter cold, the warmth of the community and the traditional temple meals, including the symbolic New Year rice cake soup, made the experience unforgettable. Whether it was the unexpected treat of late-night fish cakes or receiving a personal gift from the head monk, this stay offered a unique blend of spiritual discipline and heartfelt hospitality in the heart of Seoul.
Temple Life: Accommodations and Orientation
Upon arrival, I was assigned to a double room in the new building. The room was clean and modern, featuring a spacious bathroom with underfloor heating that felt incredibly warm compared to the biting cold outside. After receiving the thick, cozy temple stay uniform, we began our orientation to prepare for the spiritual journey ahead.
Exploring Buddhist Goods and Sacred Spaces
Before the evening programs, I explored the temple's shop, which was filled with meaningful items like singing bowls and statues of the three wise monkeys. I ended up purchasing a unique stone bracelet with flower patterns to commemorate the visit. Outside, the temple grounds were beautifully prepped for the New Year's Eve bell-ringing event with large banners and festive decorations.
New Year Traditions: 108 Prostrations and Bell Ringing
The 108 prostrations were a highlight, where we threaded a bead for each bow while listening to Buddhist teachings. It was a physical and mental challenge that brought a sense of accomplishment. As night fell, the temple atmosphere became magical, with stars shining brightly over the frozen ponds and ancient ginkgo trees.
A Midnight Ceremony and Late-Night Treats
At 10 PM, the temple surprised us with hot fish cakes (odeng) and broth, a perfect remedy for the -10 degree weather. This was followed by the grand bell-ringing ceremony at midnight. We had the rare opportunity to see the historic 'big bell' on the first floor. Though the wait was long and the crowd massive, hearing the deep resonance of the bell marked a powerful start to the year.
The First Morning: Prayer and the Secret Forest
After a short sleep, we attended the 5 AM morning prayer in the sermon hall. Watching the monks lead the chants under the starlight was a serene experience. Following breakfast, the head monk, Hosan, surprised us with a gift of prayer beads before leading us on a sunrise walk through the "Secret Forest." Seeing the first sun of 2026 amidst the trees was a moment of pure clarity.
Tea Time and Reflection
The program concluded with a traditional tea ceremony featuring lotus leaf tea. We shared our experiences and reflections in small groups, facilitated by a monk. It was a time to let go of greed and focus on the gratitude we felt for the people and moments that brought us to this new chapter.
Final Meal: Symbolic New Year Rice Cake Soup
For lunch, we joined many other Buddhists for a final bowl of Tteokguk (rice cake soup). The long lines were worth it, as the soup served during lunch was particularly delicious and hearty. It felt like the perfect "wholesome" meal to conclude a journey of spiritual cleansing before returning to the busy life of the city.
Have you ever thought about spending New Year's Eve in a place of silence rather than a party? If you were to stay at Bongeunsa, would you find the 108 prostrations to be a meditative relief or a physical challenge? Also, while you are in the Gangnam area, would you like me to recommend some modern cafes to visit once you leave the temple's gates?
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