Now In Korea
Temple Stays in Snow: Quiet Winter Retreats at Korea’s Mountain Temples
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
Winter turns Korea’s mountain temples into places of stillness and reflection. The Korea Tourism Organization highlights four temples ideal for a winter temple stay (temple lodging with cultural and meditative programs):
- Gimsansa, Gimje: A Baekje-era temple with over 1,400 years of history and important cultural assets (including the national treasure Mireukjeon). Snow blankets its halls and the Moaksan ridgeline, creating a peaceful setting for inward reflection.
- Naesosa, Buan: Founded in 633, Naesosa preserves treasures like the Daeungbojeon built in 1633 and a three-story stone pagoda. A 600 m fir-tree path from the main gate—selected among Korea’s “100 Beautiful Roads”—becomes a silvery tunnel of snow in winter, muffling city noise.
- Jeondeungsa, Ganghwa: One of Korea’s oldest temples (founded 381), set inside the Samrangseong fortress. Its snowy walls and faded dancheong (traditional temple painting) offer a unique mix of monastery and fortress atmosphere; it’s also popular for walks with dogs.
- Woljeongsa, Pyeongchang: Founded in 643 and home to the octagonal nine-story stone pagoda (a national treasure), Woljeongsa’s 1 km fir-lined trail holds about 1,700 trees whose snow-laden branches form a silver tunnel—an easy 20-minute walk followed by tea at the traditional teahouse.
Across these sites, winter’s quiet replaces spectacle, inviting visitors to slow down, listen inward, and enjoy simple rituals like a warm cup of tea.
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