JEUNGPYEONG, Jul. 8 (Korea Bizwire) – At a Buddhist temple nestled in the countryside of South Korea’s North Chungcheong Province, an unusual scene unfolded last Friday.
A group of visitors, accompanied by their canine companions, gathered to participate in a unique program that combines traditional temple stays with pet-friendly accommodation.
The event was held at Mireuksa Temple in Jeungpyeong, about two hours from Seoul. During a tea time discussion, one participant shared concerns about their dog’s social skills.
In response, the temple’s chief monk, Jeong-gak, offered a compassionate perspective: “Your dog may not lack social skills, but might be carrying sadness within. Try having a deep conversation with your pet, just as you would with a friend. Don’t assume they can’t understand you.”
This innovative program is a collaboration between the Korea Tourism Organization’s Sejong-North Chungcheong branch, Jeungpyeong County, and Banyeo Life, a tourism startup. It caters primarily to pet owners from the greater Seoul area, allowing various combinations of human and canine participants.
While temple stays have been a common offering at Buddhist temples across South Korea, programs that welcome pets have been rare. This scarcity has contributed to the popularity of this new program, with last month’s session selling out in just 30 seconds.
Lee Hye-mi, CEO of Banyeo Life, shared the challenges of bringing this concept to fruition. “For three years, we planned this product and searched for a temple willing to collaborate, but everyone said it would be difficult,” she explained. “Without Jeong-gak’s open-mindedness, this program would have been nearly impossible to realize.”
Jeong-gak emphasized the philosophy behind the program: “All life is equal. In that sense, I believe temples should be open not just to humans, but to all living beings.”
The day-long program, lasting about five and a half hours, begins with participants and their dogs changing into provided temple attire. Guided by the monk, they tour the temple grounds, which include the stone statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, a provincial cultural property, and a 300-year-old zelkova tree – both popular spots for commemorative photos.
A highlight of the day is the tea time with the monk, where participants can listen to Buddhist teachings and ask questions. This session is often joined by Seokhwaeom, a dog the monk adopted in 2020.
The program also includes activities such as creating lotus-shaped cups, writing wish notes, and learning how to bow in the main hall with their dogs. Participants praised the unique opportunity to share a spiritual experience with their pets, noting the healing atmosphere and the convenience of the pet-friendly arrangements.
Upon completion, participants receive a certificate and commemorative gifts, including printed photos of themselves with their dogs in the temple setting.
While the program is on hiatus during July and August due to concerns about the summer heat affecting the dogs’ health, it is set to resume in September. The tourism organization is also considering expanding the program to other temples in the region, focusing on those already offering traditional temple stays.
Image credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
