[Features reporter] 'Seollal Temple Stay': Experience dumpling making and traditions at S. Korean temples

Eun-hee, I heard you visited a special temple stay in Seoul.

It must have been unique, especially with the Lunar New Year holiday approaching.

Can you tell us more about it?

Yes Soa. The Lunar New Year holiday or Seollal holiday is just around the corner, and to celebrate in a unique way, many temples across South Korea are offering special temple stays.

I had the chance to visit one of these Seollal Temple Stays and see what's waiting for those looking to experience the peaceful, mind-clearing atmosphere of a temple stay.

Let’s take a look.

A unique sanctuary nestled in the heart of Seoul City.

Jogyesa Temple is offering a special temple stay for the first time during the Seollal holidays so participants can experience the holiday's traditions.

"At Jogyesa, we introduced dumpling-making as part of our Temple Stay program to bring back traditional holiday customs. Nowadays, with more people living in nuclear families or traveling abroad, it's hard to experience the warmth and togetherness of the holidays. We wanted to create a space where families or individuals spending the holidays alone could come together, even for just one night."

Monk Seon Hae shared that through activities like making dumplings, eating rice cakes and sharing tea, she hopes to foster a warm sense of family and connection.

This is the purpose behind many special programs including a Lunar New Year ceremony and folk games.

The Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism is hosting the "Seollal Temple Stay" at over 20 temples nationwide from January 22nd to January 30th.

"I came here to clear my mind because I've been feeling stressed at work."

"I'm having a lot of fun it's my first time making dumplings, and I'm really enjoying it."

Events like this bring out each person's unique personality.

Some participants expressed their New Year's wishes through the dumplings they made.

"This dumpling is called the 'Sun Dumpling.' I made it to symbolize the rising sun of the New Year, wishing for a bright year ahead."

"To start the New Year meaningfully, we decided to join a temple stay before the semester begins."

As they taste the dumplings they've made, along with healthy, vegetarian and environmentally friendly temple food, participants gain a deeper appreciation for the effort that went into preparing these dishes.

No Seollal celebration is complete without enjoying a bowl of Tteokguk or rice cake soup.

From preparation to consumption, every step in the temple is a daily practice.

Practicing the performing of '108 bows,' which symbolizes the purification of 108 temptations, participants have time to reflect.

The evening at Jogyesa Temple is the perfect time to focus on the present moment. This Seollal holiday, why not take a break from your smartphone and immerse yourself in seasonal traditions by experiencing a temple stay with friends or family?

First of all, those dumplings look delicious.

How were they? Was it your first time making them?

Those meat-free dumplings were absolutely delicious.

Though my dumplings might not have been perfect, it's actually not my first time making them.

I'm not particularly skilled in cooking, but I did realize the last time I made dumplings was back in elementary school.

I think that’s one of the reasons this activity felt so special because for many people, there aren't many opportunities to gather and make dumplings together.

I've always wanted to try a temple stay, and it sounds amazing!

Jogyesa Temple seems like a perfect choice, especially after seeing what you've shared.

What other temples might we be able to visit during the holiday for a similar experience?

Yes Bella, unlike many temples, Jogyesa is in the heart of Seoul, with the monk there describing it as a "temple in a forest of buildings."

So throughout this Seollal Holiday which lasts until the 30th of this month, 28 temples across the country are hosting Seollal Temple Stay programs, and I'd like to introduce a few of them.

At Yeongpyeongsa Temple in Sejong City, visitors can enjoy activities like rice cake pounding, Jegichagi which is a traditional game of kicking a shuttlecock, and Yutnori, a traditional board game.

Dogapsa Temple in Jeollanam-do Province invites participants to make New Year’s lanterns.

Another one is Naksansa Temple in Gangwon-do which provides the opportunity to craft LED lotus lanterns.

There are many options available, so anyone interested should check the website for details.

As for the cost, how much is it?

The cost is approximately 80-thousand Korean won which is about 55 U.S. dollars at the current exchange rate.

Thank you Eun-hee for sharing.

Happy Lunar New Year!

Thank you Eun-hee.