Golgulsa Temple
Ancient temple with cliffside Buddha, offering unique Sunmudo martial arts and immersive temple stays in a serene mountain setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for activities
Golgulsa Temple
Best Time
Pleasant weather for activities
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient temple with cliffside Buddha, offering unique Sunmudo martial arts and immersive temple stays in a serene mountain setting.
"A beautiful experience recommending the TempleStay for its scenery, food, and amazing staff."
🎯 Book Temple Stay Early
Secure your spot for the immersive temple stay experience, especially for longer durations.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and participating in activities, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Golgulsa Temple Caves
Cliffside
Explore ancient caves carved into the cliffside, including a magnificent granite Buddha statue.
Sunmudo Martial Arts
Temple grounds
Witness or participate in Sunmudo, a unique Korean martial art combining yoga and meditation.
+1
Temple Stay Experience
Temple accommodations
Immerse yourself in monastic life with early morning meditation, chanting, and communal meals.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Temple Stay in Advance
Prepare for Active Participation
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Temple Stay Early
Secure your spot for the immersive temple stay experience, especially for longer durations.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and participating in activities, so comfortable footwear is a must.
🧘♀️ Embrace the Schedule
Wake up early for meditation and participate fully in Sunmudo and other temple practices.
💧 Bring Toiletries
While some facilities are clean, toilet paper might not always be available at all locations.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Temple Stay Early
Secure your spot for the immersive temple stay experience, especially for longer durations.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and participating in activities, so comfortable footwear is a must.
🧘♀️ Embrace the Schedule
Wake up early for meditation and participate fully in Sunmudo and other temple practices.
💧 Bring Toiletries
While some facilities are clean, toilet paper might not always be available at all locations.
📸 Capture the Views
The mountain scenery and the temple's unique architecture offer stunning photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Golgulsa Temple for its unique Sunmudo martial arts, serene mountain setting, and immersive temple stay programs. The opportunity to learn from kind instructors and experience monastic life is highly valued. Some minor improvements could be made regarding toilet paper availability at certain points.
"We enjoyed our half day temple experience.
The archery, meditation and martial arts experience were a great and active introduction to this temple’s way of life.
The instructors were kind and explained things in English. Facilities in the main hall were very clean and there was a new shower and toilets (with toilet paper!). Note, there are no lockers for people doing day only experiences. But the lady monk who did the archery and meditation training let us use a staff locker.
We didn’t find the walk up the hill or activities overly strenuous and we are about 60.
Mrs. Kim explained where to go clearly at check in and showed us the various buildings on the security camera.
The only thing that could be improved is to have toilet paper at the toilet at the entrance to the temple rather than a sign saying “we don’t provide toilet paper”! Some people have been traveling a while to get here…:)
We didn’t find the shops (it’s a temple open to the public) overly commercial.
We are very grateful to Golgusa for providing this experience."
Karin Sinniger
"This is a peaceful temple cradled at the edge of the mountains. There is a bus that runs close to here from the city too. I would highly recommend staying here for the temple stay program as they even teach martial arts here that is based on yoga. The rock carving that this is famous for is really interesting to explore."
RV
"Beautiful experience. Recommend the TempleStay 3 days/2 nights. Beautiful scenery, great food, amazing staff. You will not regret it!"
Nicolás Roth
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Golgulsa Temple is accessible by bus from Gyeongju city. Look for local bus routes that head towards the Hamwolsan mountain area.
The temple is nestled in the mountains, but signage should guide you. Consider using a navigation app for precise directions.
Yes, driving is an option, and there is likely parking available. However, check local conditions, especially during peak seasons.
A local bus from Gyeongju is a convenient and common method for day visitors.
Taxis can be hired from Gyeongju city, but they might be more expensive than public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For a general visit, entry might be free or have a small fee. However, specific programs like the temple stay or martial arts experiences require booking and payment.
As a functioning temple, it's generally open during daylight hours for visitors. Temple stay programs have specific check-in and check-out times.
Prices vary depending on the duration and program. Foreign residents in Korea may find special prices available.
Yes, day visits are possible, and you can participate in introductory activities like archery and meditation.
Demonstrations might be included in day visit packages or temple stay programs. Inquire directly with the temple for specifics.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Temple stays typically include early morning meditation, chanting, communal meals, and participation in Sunmudo martial arts.
Sunmudo is a unique Korean martial art that blends yoga and meditation. Golgulsa Temple is famous for it, and you can learn it during a temple stay or day program.
Yes, instructors are often able to explain activities in English, making it accessible for international visitors.
Accommodations are traditional, usually involving sleeping on a futon on the floor in shared rooms.
The walk up to the peak can be steep, especially towards the top, and may have limited safety features. It's advisable to be cautious, especially with children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll experience simple, vegetarian temple cuisine as part of the monastic lifestyle.
Meals are typically included in overnight temple stay programs. For day visits, inquire if meal options are available.
Yes, all food served at the temple is vegetarian, adhering to Buddhist principles.
Nearby Gyeongju city offers a wide range of dining options if you are visiting for the day and want to explore local cuisine.
Meals are usually served at set times, aligning with the monastic schedule, often early in the morning and at midday.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in most outdoor areas, but be respectful of the sacred nature of the temple and avoid photographing monks during private moments or ceremonies.
The cliffside Buddha, the temple architecture, the surrounding mountain views, and the Sunmudo practitioners offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Yes, you can usually photograph demonstrations, but always check for any specific restrictions.
It's highly unlikely that drone photography is permitted within the temple grounds due to privacy and safety regulations. Always check local rules.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful for capturing the temple and its surroundings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the temple stay offers an immersive cultural experience, the early wake-up times and disciplined schedule might be demanding for very young children. Consider a day visit to experience the highlights without the full commitment of an overnight stay. Ensure children have comfortable shoes for walking and participating in activities.
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers & Spiritual Seekers
+1Engaging with the monks and fellow participants can lead to meaningful connections. The serene mountain setting further enhances the sense of tranquility, making it a perfect escape for those looking to de-stress and reconnect with themselves.
🏋️♀️ Active Travelers & Martial Arts Enthusiasts
+1Beyond Sunmudo, the hike up Hamwolsan Mountain provides a good physical challenge with rewarding views. The temple stay itself involves an active schedule, so be prepared for early mornings and physical participation in various practices.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Sunmudo
+2For those seeking a more immersive experience, the temple stay programs offer opportunities to learn the basics of Sunmudo. This hands-on experience provides a glimpse into the discipline and physical conditioning required, often leaving participants feeling both challenged and invigorated. Even a short introduction can be a memorable part of your visit.
+1It's important to note that achieving the level of skill seen in demonstrations takes years of dedicated practice. While you won't become a master in a day, the experience of learning and practicing Sunmudo at Golgulsa offers a profound connection to the temple's spiritual and physical traditions.
+1A Glimpse into Temple Stay Life
+2Accommodations are simple and traditional, usually involving sleeping on a futon on the floor in shared rooms. While basic, it's part of the authentic experience. The temple is known for its clean facilities, including modern showers and toilets, though it's wise to be prepared with your own toiletries.
+1Many visitors find the temple stay to be a deeply rewarding experience, offering a chance to connect with Buddhist culture and find personal peace. Some express a wish for longer stays to deepen their practice, highlighting the transformative potential of this immersive program.
Exploring the Temple's Sacred Sites
The temple grounds themselves are beautifully situated, offering stunning mountain views. The walk up to the peak can be challenging, with steep sections, but the panoramic vistas are a rewarding sight. Be mindful of safety, especially if hiking with children.
Beyond the main Buddha cave, the temple complex includes various halls and spaces used for meditation and daily rituals. The overall atmosphere is one of tranquility and natural beauty, making it a peaceful retreat for visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit