Golgulsa Temple

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.

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.

Beautiful experience. Recommend the TempleStay 3 days/2 nights. Beautiful scenery, great food, amazing staff. You will not regret it!

The temple is simple, but the buddha carved in stone at the top is beautiful, the view from the top is amazing. Make note that the hike/walk up the hill/peak gets pretty steep at towards the top and with limited safety bars (in European/american standards), so parents - hold your children going up/down.

Nice place to visit. The stone Buddha from the 11th century is extremely impressive. It is very hilly so be ready for a workout! We did a one night temple stay as well. The temple stay was interesting. When we were there there were 2 large school groups ages 14-21. It seemed quite common among young school groups and as adults it didn’t seem to be the right match. Might be worth checking in advance who the other participants are. It was raining heavily when we got there and there was no common area so we just stood in the reception area. The sunmudo training was very intense and be prepared for a full workout (wear a moisture wicking tshirt!). The 108 prostrations was also a workout. The uniform they provided was thick canvas which was extra sweaty for the heat and humidity. The rooms are good and basic. Air conditioning worked well and there was hot water. Mattresses are quite thin so be prepared to sleep on an only slightly padded hard surface. The Buddhist programming was pretty good and the monks are very nice. This is a good way to learn about Buddhism. The tea time was excellent and strongly recommend attending this portion. Food is vegan and delicious.

We had an amazing time at Golgulsa Temple. To live with and learn from the monks in the temple was an unique experience that I will never forget. I just wished I had planned more time to be able to do a more intensive practice in Sunmudo because I feel like a lot of what you learn in one day goes away from your mind way too quickly. 😕

Being a fan of Martial Arts, I really liked this place. The demonstration was good to watch. The temple is at the top of a steep road which takes about 10-15 minutes to get to from the entrance. The carved Buddha is situated on a steep slope that is covered with guard rails. There is a temple stay program here as well.

It is a place of worship, full of serenity and divinity. The nearest bus stop is a kilometre away at Andong samgyuri,so you will have to choose between walking that distance, or coming by your own conveyance. But, whichever way you choose, it is a place one should visit in South Korea. Situated atop a hill, the Buddha that is carved on a mountain face is said to be done by an Indian. Many Occidentals also come here to learn Sunmudo,and other practices of meditation. There are provisions for temple stay also for those who want to get a taste of what life in a temple or monastery . On every day at 3 pm except on Monday, there is a free demonstration of Sunmudo by the monks and students.