Hop on a train for a fall temple stay getaway

A one-day temple stay product combining rail travel with Buddhist cultural heritage aims to boost regional tourism this fall.

Korail Tourism Development, in partnership with the Korean Buddhist Cultural Service, will run a "Temple Stay Train Tour" on Sept. 12. Departing from major stations including Seoul, Yeongdeungpo, Suwon, Pyeongtaek and Cheonan, the program offers three courses, each linking a different temple in the Chungcheong region. Every course weaves together temple stay experiences with local nature, history and food. All participants will receive a commemorative meditation journal titled "Gently Close Your Eyes" as a souvenir.

The Yeongdong Banyasa course centers on a day temple stay followed by visits to Wollyubong Peak and the Rainbow Healing Center. Participants can enjoy a temple lunch, a walking meditation along a forest trail and a prayer-bead bracelet-making session while taking in the area's natural surroundings.

The Gongju Gapsa course pairs the temple stay with a wellness program. At Gapsa, visitors tour cultural heritage sites, walk a forest meditation trail and make a rectangular hanji tray. The group then moves to the Gongju Healing Forest for a series of restorative programs — balance therapy, aromatherapy and singing-bowl meditation.

The Gongju Ijesa course combines temple experience with historical and cultural exploration. Starting with a temple stay at Ijesa, participants visit the Tomb of King Muryeong and Gongju First Church — both tied to Baekje history — before heading to Gongju Hanok Village for a foot-bath experience.

Depending on the course, the package covers round-trip train fare, connecting vehicle costs, admission fees, activity fees, meals and a souvenir. Prices start at 79,000 won ($57), and reservations and detailed itineraries are available on the Korail Tourism Development website.

"Following our spring offering, we have prepared a temple stay tour for autumn as well — a chance to board a train, visit a temple and spend time in nature," said Lee Woo-hyun, acting chief executive of Korail Tourism Development. "Through diverse travel products that link rail travel with distinctive regional resources, we will strive to give travelers new experiences while drawing tourists to local communities and revitalizing them."