Dress code

Dress modestly. Shoulders should be covered, and shorts or skirts should fall at or below the knee. Many temples provide wraps or robes for visitors who arrive underdressed — especially larger sites such as Jogyesa (Seoul) or Tongdosa (South Gyeongsang Province). In summer, carrying a light layer specifically for temple visits is practical.

Shoes

Remove your shoes before entering any shrine hall (법당, beopjdang). The rule applies to shrine halls specifically — outdoor temple grounds and walking paths do not require bare feet. You will see other visitors removing their shoes at the entrance — follow their lead.

Bowing

The formal Korean Buddhist bow (큰절, keunjeol) involves kneeling, placing your hands on the floor, and touching your forehead to the ground. You are not expected to perform this as a visitor, but if you are observing a ceremony, follow the lead of practitioners around you. A simple standing bow of the head is appreciated and always appropriate.

Photography

Outdoor photography is generally welcome at Korean temples. Inside shrine halls, check for posted notices before photographing — many halls permit photography, but some restrict it during active worship or in the presence of particularly sacred images. Always check signage if uncertain.

Temple Stay (템플스테이)

Korea's Temple Stay program allows visitors to spend one or more nights at a Buddhist temple, participating in morning ceremonies, meditation sessions, tea ceremony, and manual labor as a form of practice. The program is available in English at many temples and has welcomed millions of participants since 2002. Cost: KRW 70,000–100,000 per night including meals. Book at templestay.com.

Notable temples worth planning around

• Bulguksa & Seokguram Grotto (Gyeongju) — UNESCO World Heritage Sites, among the most architecturally significant temples in Korea
• Haeinsa (Hapcheon) — houses the Tripitaka Koreana, 81,340 wooden printing blocks of Buddhist scripture carved in the 13th century (UNESCO)
• Beopjusa (Boeun) — features a 33-meter stone standing Buddha
• Seonamsa (Suncheon) — considered one of the most beautiful forest temples in the country