By: Angela Alvis, South of Seoul volunteer
Temples are sacred places of worship, places where Buddhist monks and nuns live and practice. They are also historic sites that welcome visitors so don’t be shy about visiting temples, even if you do not practice Buddhism.
Korean temples are unique because they are usually larger compounds consisting of many buildings and structures, although the entire grounds are considered “the temple”. At Korean temples you will likely see gates, pagodas, a large Buddha hall, and several other places to worship or do walking meditation. Often there are other buildings as well like a gift shop, cafeteria, private residences, offices, and places for visitors to stay overnight.
Once you walk through the gate, you are on sacred ground and should act accordingly. It is important to be respectful when on the temple grounds. Here are a few things to know before you go.
Wear modest clothing. A good rule of thumb is to wear loose fitting clothing that doesn’t expose too much. While it is considered most respectful to have your shoulders and knees covered, you will see many locals and foreigners wearing shorts without much more than a sideways glance.
Respect the calm atmosphere of the temple. Do not run, play music, or talk loudly (or on your phone).
Smoking and drinking is NOT permitted.
Pagodas, stupas, stone lanterns or any other sculptures are all religious objects. Therefore, sitting or writing graffiti on them is considered extremely disrespectful and is not allowed.
Photography is generally permitted, with a few rules. DO NOT take photos while inside the halls (usually taking photos of the inside while standing outside the hall is ok) and avoid taking photos during services or of people meditating or praying.
Use the entrances to the left or right of the main Buddha Hall. The center entrance is reserved for monks and nuns.
If a door is closed, do not open it. While visitors are always welcome at Korean temples, Buddhist monks or nuns live and work at these temples. Some buildings are private residences, places of study, or prayer and meditation.
Remove your shoes and hat before entering halls or pagodas.
If you choose to pray, meditate, or partake in the prostration ritual, sit to the side or in the back. The space directly in front of the Buddha is reserved for monks and nuns.
It is customary to leave a small donation, especially if you light a candle or incense stick. There may be suggested donations for incense, candles, lanterns, or other blessings. There are usually several donation boxes around the temple.
If you walk past a monk or a nun it is customary to stop and bow as they pass. In Korea it is called ‘hap-jang.’ To do hapjang, place your palms together in front of the chest and bow down. Putting palms together means ‘center one’s mind’ and ‘you and I are not two separate beings but one.’
NEVER TOUCH A MONK OR NUN. If you touch a monk or nun they will have to go through an elaborate cleansing ritual.
To show the highest level of respect consider doing ‘cha-su’ with your hands as you walk around the temple. To do chasu, put your right hand across the top of your left with your thumb locked under the left and place them near your lower abdomen.
If you want to know more about Korean Buddhism and experience life at a temple first hand, consider participating in a templestay program. There are several temples that offer English-language programming.
Angela Alvis holds a Master’s in Education and Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology. Ms. Alvis specializes in curriculum development and instructional design.
Angela Alvis has a depth and breadth of experience in education and early childhood that has taken her across the world to work in a variety of school settings, from rural programs to large urban districts, and everything from ECSE and DLL classrooms to childcare and university settings.
Prior to her work with South of Seoul, Ms. Alvis spent several years leading the wide-scale implementation of play-based learning and a formative assessment model with over 120 educators in five early childhood schools that served over 15,000 students in Washington D.C.
After transitioning back to the US, Ms. Alvis became the Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives at Tools of the Mind, she works on cross-departmental teams as the education and content expert. She is currently co-designing a multi-faceted teacher development model that integrates workshops, video coaching, and professional learning communities.
