Top 9 Temple Stays for New Year 2026
As we step into the new year, how about escaping the bustling city and starting afresh in a serene mountain temple?
Temple stays across the country offer various programs such as meditation, bell ringing experiences, sunrise watching, and traditional rice cake soup offerings, providing a time to center oneself. Here’s a curated list of temple stays for welcoming the new year in 2026.
- Table of Contents -
9 Recommended Temple Stays for New Year 2026
1. Geumgangjeongsa
2. Heungguksa
3. Donghwasa
4. Gwanmunsa
5. Sinheungsa
6. Haeinsa
7. Mugaksa
8. Chukseosa
9. Yongjusa
1. Geumgangjeongsa
Located in Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi-do, Geumgangjeongsa is an ideal Buddhist temple to welcome the new year in a clean atmosphere.
Participants can engage in a tea ceremony with monks, reflect on their thoughts, and make wishes for the new year with their handmade prayer beads. It is highly recommended for families.
2. Heungguksa
Heungguksa is particularly popular for its New Year’s Eve bell-ringing ceremony.
Participants can record their New Year’s resolutions with colorful threads while enjoying the majestic sound of the bell welcoming 2026. If you desire a quiet yet symbolic New Year’s experience, Heungguksa is the place to be.
3. Donghwasa
Located at the foot of Palgongsan in Daegu, Donghwasa is famous for its sunrise hiking.
The temple stay offers a unique experience of hiking while breathing in the fresh morning air, combined with traditional Buddhist cultural activities.
4. Gwanmunsa
For those short on time, Gwanmunsa offers a day temple stay that is perfect for experiencing the temple atmosphere close to Seoul.
Participants can make lotus lanterns and partake in the bell-ringing ceremony, providing a brief healing experience in the city.
5. Sinheungsa
Sinheungsa, a representative temple of Wando, is popular for its connection to a beautiful seaside sunrise.
The 300 bows symbolize patience, while the rice cake soup offering represents a warm New Year welcome.
This temple stay is recommended for those who wish to quietly reflect as they welcome 2026.
6. Haeinsa
Haeinsa operates on a shared room basis, making it suitable for families and friends.
Participants can hang wish lanterns and share rice cake soup in this historic temple housing the Tripitaka Koreana, creating a deeply moving experience for the New Year.
7. Mugaksa
Mugaksa offers a meditation-focused program, ideal for those seeking inner peace as they welcome the New Year.
It provides a chance to find tranquility even in the city, combining meditation with sunrise watching.
8. Chukseosa
Chukseosa features various 'wish fulfillment' programs that are particularly appealing.
Participants can express their wishes through writing, light, and sound, including experiences with golden bodhi leaves and the New Year’s Eve bell-ringing ceremony.
9. Yongjusa
Yongjusa, known for its serene atmosphere, is perfect for those wanting a calm start to the New Year.
Participants can create their own prayer beads and reflect on their New Year’s resolutions while watching the sunrise.
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