Today started bright and early as we got ready to board the KTX train to Gongju for our temple stay. One thing that immediately stood out to me when we arrived at the train station was how different it felt compared to train stations I have seen before. There were so many shops, cafes, bakeries, and places to grab food and drinks. Usually, the train stations I have been to only have one or two small stores, so seeing such a lively and modern station was really interesting to me. Before boarding the train, I had a tiramisu, which made the morning feel even better.
The train ride itself lasted about two hours and was really smooth and comfortable. I enjoyed looking outside the window and seeing more of the Korean landscape as we traveled farther away from the city. Eventually, we arrived in Gongju, and our first stop was lunch. We had a traditional Korean noodle meal, which was simple but really good and comforting after the train ride.
After lunch, we headed to the temple for our temple stay program, and honestly, the beginning was a little chaotic. As soon as we arrived, there was a lot of confusion about where to put our luggage, so we all ended up moving our suitcases around multiple times as we tried to figure everything out. We probably carried our luggage back and forth at least three or four times before finally settling things down.
Eventually, we gathered in the temple’s main lobby, where the monks and staff explained the rules and itinerary for the stay. This entire experience already felt unique and unlike anything I had done before. We were given traditional temple clothing, including loose pants and a vest, that everyone had to wear during our stay. We also learned that we would have to wake up at 5:00 AM the next morning to follow the temple schedule, which honestly surprised all of us.
Later in the day, we participated in a group yoga and breathing exercise session. This was a really calming and unique experience because the environment around the temple felt so peaceful and quiet. It was a nice change from the busy and fast-paced atmosphere of Seoul. Being surrounded by nature while focusing on breathing and relaxation made the experience feel very refreshing.
In the evening, we watched several traditional performances, including a Sunmudo performance and traditional Korean dance performances. Watching the Sunmudo performance was especially fascinating because it combined martial arts, meditation, and discipline. The performances were very graceful and powerful at the same time, and it was really interesting getting to experience this side of Korean culture.
After the performances, we had dinner at the temple, which followed a vegetarian diet in accordance with Buddhist traditions. The meal was simple but meaningful, and it felt very different from the usual meals we had been eating throughout the trip.
Later that night, a few of us decided to hike up the mountain to see the large Buddha statue near the temple. We made it about halfway up before one of the monks stopped us and told us not to continue because it was getting too late. Hopefully, we will get another chance to see the statue tomorrow.
Overall, today was such a unique and memorable experience because it was my first time ever staying at a temple and living according to the routines and traditions followed by monks. From the train ride and traditional meals to the meditation activities and performances, the entire day felt completely different from my normal daily life. It is definitely a day I will remember for a long time.