Set aside the usual list of check-in spots and Seoul still holds gentle, restorative pockets of calm for the mind. Right in the bustle of central Seoul, a century-old temple, a serene Seon meditation session and a vegetarian meal rich in philosophy open up an entirely different idea of rest in Korea.
A century-old temple in the heart of Seoul
In the center of Jongno, Jogyesa Temple is the heart of the Jogye Order, which represents Korean Buddhism. Founded in 1910 as Gakhwangsa, it was the first temple built within the four main gates of old Seoul, before officially taking the name Jogyesa in 1954.
Step through the temple gate and the rush of the city seems to pause at once. Amid the whirl of modern Seoul, Jogyesa keeps its openness and stillness: a place where locals stop by to let go of their worries, and where visitors from afar are free to immerse themselves in a peaceful cultural space.
Letting go of worries with Seon meditation
Practicing in the Seon meditation tradition, Jogye Buddhism guides people to look deeply within. Meditation here requires no religious affiliation or prior experience. For first-timers, it is simply about sitting in stillness, letting the natural breath lead, and allowing yourself to set aside your phone, email and the daily pressures of work for a while.
A deeper dive into Buddhist culture
To experience cultural depth beyond an ordinary sightseeing visit, the 3.5-hour “Private Premium Temple Experience & Michelin Dining with a Professor” is an ideal choice. Led in English by a professor of Korean cultural tourism from Jason K Table, the experience offers two flexible time slots, at lunchtime or in the evening.
Starting at the Templestay Information Center, you will make a small Buddhist craft to take home, such as a lotus lantern, a good-luck bracelet, a traditional pattern to color or a woodblock print, alongside copying out Buddhist teachings. You then stroll over to Jogyesa Temple to hear about its history and architecture and experience Seon meditation under attentive guidance. The route also takes in a museum of Korean Buddhism and the historic site of Korea’s first post office, before ending with a tasting of rare old-tree pu’er tea aged since 1991.
Michelin-recognized temple cuisine
The finale is a serene vegetarian meal at Balwoo Gongyang, a restaurant run by the Jogye Order on the fifth floor of the Templestay Information Center. Having been awarded one Michelin star, Balwoo Gongyang has helped bring Korean temple cuisine to a global stage.
Throughout the meal, guests hear about the meaning and the philosophy of nourishing body and mind behind each flavor. Besides Balwoo Gongyang, Sanchon is another wonderful option for exploring vegetarian cuisine in Seoul. Whether you go alone to fully savor the stillness or with loved ones, it is a truly rewarding experience.
Readers can book this special experience in advance on the Klook app. Enter the code WANDERLUSTVN for 5% off (existing customers) or 7% off (new customers), up to VND 250,000 for orders from VND 500,000. The offer can be used up to 3 times per account on most Klook products, and eSIM products receive 10% off.
Learning to pause amid the rush
A short meditation session may not resolve every pressure in life right away, but it is certainly a first step toward learning to listen to and value yourself.
For many travelers, Korea is closely associated with K-pop, vibrant food and huge shopping malls. But through the lens that Wanderlust Tips and the Korea Tourism Organization Vietnam hope to share, the country still holds a quiet space all its own: a calmer, slower and deeper Korea, where every pause is a natural remedy for the mind.
This article is part of the Hello World journey series by Wanderlust Tips, produced in collaboration with the Korea Tourism Organization Vietnam.
For more information:
- Jogyesa Temple: jogyesa.kr
- Private Premium Temple Experience & Michelin Dining with a Professor: KLOOK LINK
Read more: Caring for Your Body Through Korea’s Traditional Flavors