Surprisingly, I was able to wake up at around 4.30am by the sound of the monk knocking on the wooden object outside our room. It was indeed one of the better nights I had, a peaceful sleep without dreams. So everyone slowly wakes up and wash up for the day.
Along with the bell striking to start the day and follow by the morning chanting service and mediation. I was looking forward to the Balwoo Gongyang (Formal Monastic Meal). It is a great cultural experience. Every action and movement from arranging the utensils to serving the food are done uniformly and in silence. One important lesson learned is not to waste food. During the meal time, we were asked to take only what we can finish. And at the end of our meal, water was poured into our bowl for cleaning. The monk then tell us to pour the water remains into a collecting bucket. It is said that if the collecting bucket water is found dirty with wasted food, everyone will have to share the collecting water and drink it. Well, not everyone in our group was understanding the rules so our collecting bucket was shunned by the monk. Luckily, he gave a chance and we do not need to drink the water. I simply cannot imagine and make myself to swallow the collecting water if I were told to.
The Balwoo Gongyang utensils at the dining hall
After our meal, we went on to do some volunteering work such as sweeping the yard, cleaning the room, washing the meal utensils. Then it was conversation over tea with the monk. There was only 4 foreigners including me for this program. Four of us had a private tea time with our monk , Mr. Hai-Chan along with Miss Yeosilan being our translator. We got more tea then we ask. I am very grateful for Mr. Hai-Chan hospitality and generosity showing us the art of tea from different countries.
Sunrise at Geumsunsa Temple / Chinese wording on the door means “Gate of freedom” / Stairways to the monks’ quarters and other Buddha Hall
A similar stone-craved sculpture seen at Gyeongbukgung palace found at the temple. / The exterior detailing and painting on the temple structures.
Our last program of the templestay was to learn how to make make lotus lantern. Hiking was cancelled as the mountain grounds are icy and slippery. Lotus lantern making is a simple and fun craft work. Really enjoyable.
Finally, we had our closing ceremony with photo-taking section together with everyone, the monk and our handmade lotus lantern. I was surprised when they presented to us each with a DVD of the 108 bows prostrations and postcards of the temple. Really, to experience cultural Korea, templestay is really thumbs up!
My handmade lotus lantern and items received at the end of the program.
Some information and suggestions to share on Geumsunsa Templestay:
Website : http://geumsunsa.org/
- Although they have cable carrier for luggage, try not to bring your hugh trolley bag for the 2D1N program.
- Pack light for winter, reconsider the need for shower accessories like shampoo, body gel. Literally there may be 15-20 participants, queueing for the shower can be tough especially with the limited sleeping time.
- Extra socks and water bottle is a must to bring.
- Phototaking during the program is taken care of. Do enjoy and participate whole heartedly in every activity. You can still take pictures during break and free time.
Lastly very very important note: There is another templestay called GeumsAnsa spelled with an “a” and located 4 hours drive from Seoul. Please DO NOT mixed up as it is totally different from GeumsUnsa which is located just 20mins away from Gyeongbukgung station.
How to get to Geumsunsa(금선사): ~ (Extracted from website)
1. Take a subway, the orange line – line No. 3, and get off at Kyungbokgung(경복궁) station.
2. Go out the exit No. 3 and walk straight forward about 70m to the bus stop.
3. You’ll have to transfer to the bus, the green color – No. 7212 at the bus stop.
4. Get off at the bus stop, Yibukodochung(이북오도청). It just takes about 20 minutes to get to there by bus without traffic jam.
5. Pls, follow 금선사(Geumsunsa) signposts, it’s about 20 minutes walk to the north. Actually, first 10 minutes walk on the road, later 10 minutes walk in the mountain.
Running-Ros in Korea (Solo Style) 