If you’re traveling in Korea and looking for an all-inclusive, all-vegan experience hidden in the most peaceful mountains, there is only one answer: Templestay.
I’m not even a Buddhist myself. But I’ve been addicted to Templestays for 15 years. Why? Because the air is crisp, the scenery is breathtaking, and most importantly for us, every single meal is 100% vegan. No worries about hidden meat ingredients here!
If you're new to vegetarian travel in Korea, start with my START HERE – 2026 Guide for a full overview. For a broader breakdown of food safety and common mistakes, read Meat-Free in Korea.Here are my top "Local Unnie" recommendations from 15 years of wandering through Korean mountain temples:
1. For Foodies: Munsu-am (문수암) - Sancheong
The head monk here is basically a Michelin-star level chef. I’ve been to many high-end temple food restaurants, but nothing beats the meals here. One look at the photos, and you’ll understand.
🔗 [Book Munsu-am Templestay](https://munsuam.templestay.com/)
2. For Spiritual Deep-Dives: Mihwangsa (미황사) - Haenam
When I was going through a tough time mentally, I stayed here for 8 days. I had to hand over my phone, wallet, and car keys. It was a week of silence, meditation, and Baru-gongyang (a ritual way of eating where not a single grain of rice is wasted). It truly reset my soul.
🔗 [Book Mihwangsa Templestay](https://mihwangsa.templestay.com/)
3. For Movie Lovers & Comfort: (송광사) - Suncheon
A filming location for the famous movie 'Decision to Leave.' This temple is huge, and the rooms are fantastic. Look at the view from the window—it’s like a living painting. In 2024, a private room cost me about $75 (100,000 KRW) per night.
🔗 [Book Songgwangsa Templestay](https://templestay.com/fe/MI000000000000000062/templestay/prgList.do?templeId=Songgwangsa_sc)
4. For Global Travelers: Golgulsa (골굴사) - Gyeongju
If you’re worried about the language barrier, go here. They are famous for Sunmudo(Zen martial arts) and provide English interpretation for tea ceremonies with monks. My roommate was a Finnish exchange student, and we spent all night talking!
🔗 [Book Golgulsa Templestay](https://golgulsa.templestay.com/)
5. For History & Nature: Magoksa (마곡사) - Gongju
The autumn foliage here is heavenly. I was impressed by a Japanese guide who married a Korean man and settled there; she professionally explained Korean history related to the resistance movement with such grace.
🔗 [Book Magoksa Templestay] (https://www.templestay.com/fe/MI000000000000000019/temple/introView.do?templeId=Magoksa)
💲Cost
Usually around $50-$70 (70,000 KRW) per night. Private rooms cost more.
📌 MZ Trend
Meditation and Templestays are currently a huge trend among the younger generation in Korea.
👍The Best Part
Every meal is vegan. You can finally relax and eat everything on the table!
Unlike most restaurants in Korea, traditional temple food follows strict Buddhist rules and avoids fish sauce and meat-based broths. If you’re worried about these ingredients, see my guide on Hidden Animal Ingredients in Korean Food.
If you plan to eat outside the temple during your trip, it helps to understand Korean ingredient labels. I explain how to read them in my Korean Food Label Guide.
🚇How to Visit Temples Using Public Transport
Actually, many temples are located in deep mountains, making them a bit challenging to reach without a car. But don't worry! Here are some of the most famous temples that are very easy to visit using Korea's excellent public transportation system.
📍In Seoul (The Heart of the City)
1. Bongeunsa (봉은사)
It’s located in the middle of Gangnam, right across from COEX. You can see a breathtaking contrast between ancient architecture and modern skyscrapers.
[Access] Take Metro Line 9 to Bongeunsa Station (Exit 1). It's only a 2-minute walk!
🔗 [Book Bongeunsa Templestay](http://temple.bongeunsa.org/public_html/index.asp?/)
2. Jogyesa (조계사)
Located near Insadong, it’s the center of Korean Buddhism. It’s always beautifully decorated with colorful lanterns or flowers.
[Access] Take Metro Line 3 to Anguk Station (Exit 6) or Line 1 to Jonggak Station (Exit 2).
🔗 [Book Jogyesa Templestay](https://jogyesa.templestay.com/)
📍In Busan (The Coastal Beauty)
1. Beomeosa (범어사)
Located on the famous Geumjeongsan Mountain, it offers a peaceful forest escape [Access] Take Busan Metro Line 1 to Beomeosa Station (Exit 5 or 7), then take Local Bus No. 90 which takes you straight to the temple.
🔗 [Book Beomeosa Templestay](https://beomeosa.templestay.com/)
2. Tongdosa (통도사)
A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful pine tree paths. It’s one of the most important temples in Korea.
[Access] From Busan Central Bus Terminal (Nopo Station), take an intercity bus to Tongdosa. It only takes about 25 minutes.
🔗 [Book Tongdosa Templestay] (https://templestay.tongdosa.or.kr/)
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