[Cheongchun Report] "Like a temple" is old talk... This place has become hip, let's go with the daengdaengi

Increasing Young People Seeking Temple Stay for Mental Peace
Buddhism Emerges as a 'Hip Religion' with Diverse Programs

As the peak summer vacation season approaches, demand for templestays is increasing. A templestay is a program where participants stay temporarily at a temple to experience Buddhist culture, lifestyle, and practice. In the past, templestays were popular mainly among foreigners, but as Buddhism has emerged as a 'hip' religion, participation among younger generations is rising.

Healing tired mind and body... Increasing MZ generation visiting templestays

Young people smiling as they stroll through the temple. [Image courtesy of Korea Buddhist Cultural Foundation]

According to the Korean Buddhist Cultural Foundation, last year the age distribution of templestay participants was 22.4% in their 20s, 18.3% in their 30s, 14% in their 40s, and 17.5% in their 50s, with the 20s and 30s age group accounting for 40.7%. Compared to five years ago in 2019, when the 20s were 17.9%, 30s 14.2%, 40s 13.5%, and 50s 20.0%, the proportion of the 20s and 30s has significantly increased.

This popularity can also be seen on social networking services (SNS). Searching the hashtag '#템플스테이' yields about 97,000 posts. Netizens have posted photos of themselves meditating while wearing training clothes.

Recently, office worker Koo Dohee (28), who participated in a templestay, said, "Even when I am busy with daily life, entering the temple brings a unique quiet and comfortable atmosphere that soothes my mind," adding, "During tea time with the monk, I was able to share life stories and take time to look inward." She continued, "I am willing to participate in templestays again," and added, "I think Buddhism is a religion that can be approached without much burden."

Templestays are generally divided into experiential and rest types. The experiential type offers programs to deeply experience Buddhist culture through learning temple etiquette and rituals, performing 108 prostrations, making prayer beads, and exploring cultural heritage sites. The rest type helps participants rest their tired body and mind while staying at the temple, providing temple etiquette and grounds guidance, evening and dawn rituals, and allowing free time for relaxation. It appears that young people choose templestays to heal their tired mind and body and create unique memories.

Buddhism rising as a 'hip religion'... Newjin Monk's performance crashes website

On May 12th, comedian Yoon Seong-ho, performing as 'NewJeans-nim,' took the stage as a DJ at the 'EDM (Electronic Dance Music) Nanjang' held on the stage installed at the intersection in front of Jogyesa Temple in Seoul, delivering an exciting performance. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Another reason young people have become interested in templestays is related to Buddhism’s rise as a so-called 'hip religion.' Recently, Buddhism has been conducting various programs under the theme of 'fun Buddhism.' The 2024 Seoul International Buddhist Expo held last April attracted attention with programs targeting the MZ generation, such as EDM Buddhist scripture remixes and 'hip Buddhism' lectures with Flower Monk.

In particular, the networking party named 'Paradise is Rock' hosted by Newjin Monk (comedian Yoon Seongho) became a hot topic, causing the official website of the Seoul International Buddhist Expo to temporarily crash. At the event, Yoon Seongho played music remixing EDM with Buddhist scriptures while chanting phrases like "This too shall pass, this too shall pass. Overcome suffering and be reborn in paradise."

According to the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, 80% of visitors to this year’s Seoul International Buddhist Expo were in their 20s and 30s. This indicates that as interest in Buddhism grows, interest in templestays naturally increases as well.

Practice Buddhism with your pet dog at the temple... Unique templestay programs emerge

[Image source=Pixabay]

As templestays gain popularity, unique templestay programs are also emerging. A representative example is 'Daengplestay' held at Mireuksa Temple in Jeungpyeong, Chungbuk. While templestays have been held multiple times at temples nationwide, programs allowing participation with pet dogs are rare, making this program very popular among dog owners. The second session held last month sold out in just 30 seconds due to word of mouth.

There is also a 'Surfing Templestay.' Held at Naksansa Temple in Yangyang, Gangwon-do, this program features not only spiritual cultivation but also surfing. Additionally, participants can experience diverse programs such as 'Wave Meditation' facing the sea and 'Morning Yoga' conducted on the beach.