Visiting a Buddhist temple (사찰 – sa-chal) is a serene and culturally enriching experience in Korea. To ensure a respectful visit, understanding the proper etiquette and relevant Korean phrases is essential. This guide provides key vocabulary, expressions, and cultural insights for navigating Korean Buddhist temples appropriately.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 불교 사찰 참배 예절 배우기
Pronunciation: bul-gyo sa-chal cham-bae ye-jeol bae-u-gi
Meaning: Learning Buddhist temple visit etiquette
Essential Vocabulary for Temple Visits
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Expression: 사찰
Pronunciation: sa-chal
Meaning: Buddhist temple -
Expression: 절
Pronunciation: jeol
Meaning: Temple (also means ‘bow’) -
Expression: 스님
Pronunciation: seu-nim
Meaning: Buddhist monk/nun (honorific) -
Expression: 불상
Pronunciation: bul-sang
Meaning: Buddha statue -
Expression: 법당
Pronunciation: beop-dang
Meaning: Dharma hall (main hall for ceremonies) -
Expression: 대웅전
Pronunciation: dae-ung-jeon
Meaning: Main Buddha Hall (lit. Hall of Great Heroism) -
Expression: 탑
Pronunciation: tap
Meaning: Pagoda -
Expression: 합장
Pronunciation: hap-jang
Meaning: Putting palms together (gesture of respect) -
Expression: 절하다
Pronunciation: jeol-ha-da
Meaning: To bow -
Expression: 공양
Pronunciation: gong-yang
Meaning: Offering (often refers to a temple meal) -
Expression: 기도
Pronunciation: gi-do
Meaning: Prayer -
Expression: 참배
Pronunciation: cham-bae
Meaning: Visiting and paying respects (at a shrine, temple, grave)
Basic Etiquette Phrases
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Expression: 조용히 해주세요.
Pronunciation: jo-yong-hi hae-ju-se-yo
Meaning: Please be quiet. -
Expression: 실례합니다.
Pronunciation: sil-lye-ham-ni-da
Meaning: Excuse me. -
Expression: 들어가도 될까요?
Pronunciation: deul-eo-ga-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: May I enter? -
Expression: 신발을 벗어야 하나요?
Pronunciation: sin-bal-eul beos-eo-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Should I take off my shoes? -
Expression: 사진 촬영 금지
Pronunciation: sa-jin chwal-yeong geum-ji
Meaning: Photography prohibited -
Expression: 사진 찍어도 괜찮아요?
Pronunciation: sa-jin jjik-eo-do gwaen-chan-a-yo?
Meaning: Is it okay to take pictures? -
Expression: 여기 앉아도 돼요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi an-ja-do dwae-yo?
Meaning: May I sit here? -
Expression: 만지지 마세요.
Pronunciation: man-ji-ji ma-se-yo
Meaning: Please do not touch. -
Expression: 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: gam-sa-ham-ni-da
Meaning: Thank you. -
Expression: 이곳은 출입 금지입니다.
Pronunciation: i-gos-eun chur-ip geum-ji-im-ni-da
Meaning: Entry is prohibited here. -
Expression: 정숙해주세요.
Pronunciation: jeong-suk-hae-ju-se-yo
Meaning: Please maintain silence / Please be quiet and respectful.
Asking Questions at the Temple
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Expression: 이 건물은 무엇인가요?
Pronunciation: i geon-mul-eun mu-eos-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What is this building? -
Expression: 저 불상은 누구신가요?
Pronunciation: jeo bul-sang-eun nu-gu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Who is that Buddha statue? -
Expression: 스님께 질문해도 될까요?
Pronunciation: seu-nim-kke jil-mun-hae-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: May I ask the monk/nun a question? -
Expression: 절하는 방법을 가르쳐 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: jeol-ha-neun bang-beob-eul ga-reu-chyeo ju-si-gess-eo-yo?
Meaning: Could you teach me how to bow? -
Expression: 공양 시간은 언제인가요?
Pronunciation: gong-yang si-gan-eun eon-je-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: When is the meal (offering) time? -
Expression: 템플스테이 프로그램이 있나요?
Pronunciation: tem-peul-seu-te-i peu-ro-geu-raem-i iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a temple stay program? -
Expression: 이 탑의 역사가 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: i tab-ui yeok-sa-ga eo-tteoh-ge doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What is the history of this pagoda? -
Expression: 화장실은 어디에 있나요?
Pronunciation: hwa-jang-sil-eun eo-di-e iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Where is the restroom? -
Expression: 기념품 가게는 어디에 있나요?
Pronunciation: gi-nyeom-pum ga-ge-neun eo-di-e iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Where is the souvenir shop? -
Expression: 이곳의 의미는 무엇인가요?
Pronunciation: i-gos-ui ui-mi-neun mu-eos-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What is the meaning/significance of this place?
Offering Respect and Prayers
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Expression: 합장해 주세요.
Pronunciation: hap-jang-hae ju-se-yo
Meaning: Please put your palms together. -
Expression: 합장하고 절합니다.
Pronunciation: hap-jang-ha-go jeol-ham-ni-da
Meaning: I put my palms together and bow. -
Expression: 세 번 절합니다.
Pronunciation: se beon jeol-ham-ni-da
Meaning: I bow three times. -
Expression: 기도해도 될까요?
Pronunciation: gi-do-hae-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: May I pray? -
Expression: 조용히 기도하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: jo-yong-hi gi-do-ha-gess-seum-ni-da
Meaning: I will pray quietly. -
Expression: 향을 피워도 되나요?
Pronunciation: hyang-eul pi-wo-do doe-na-yo?
Meaning: May I light incense? -
Expression: 초를 켜도 되나요?
Pronunciation: cho-reul kyeo-do doe-na-yo?
Meaning: May I light a candle? -
Expression: 시주하고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: si-ju-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da
Meaning: I would like to make a donation/offering. -
Expression: 어디에 시주하면 되나요?
Pronunciation: eo-di-e si-ju-ha-myeon doe-na-yo?
Meaning: Where can I make a donation? -
Expression: 탑돌이는 어떻게 하나요?
Pronunciation: tap-dol-i-neun eo-tteoh-ge ha-na-yo?
Meaning: How do you perform Tapdori (walking around the pagoda)? -
Expression: 소원을 빌어도 될까요?
Pronunciation: so-won-eul bil-eo-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: May I make a wish?
Korean Culture Notes
Dress Code: Modesty is key when visiting temples. Avoid revealing clothing such as shorts, mini-skirts, tank tops, or sleeveless shirts. Opt for clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Entering Halls: Always remove your shoes before entering temple buildings or halls (법당 – beop-dang). Place them neatly on the provided shelves or designated areas. Also, note that main halls often have three doors; typically, visitors should use the side doors, not the center one, which is reserved for monks or special occasions.
Behavior Inside: Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor. Speak softly, avoid loud laughter or running. Do not point directly at Buddha statues or monks. When sitting, avoid pointing your feet towards the main altar or Buddha statues.
Photography: Photography policies vary. Some temples allow photos outdoors but prohibit them inside halls, especially during ceremonies. Look for signs (사진 촬영 금지 – sa-jin chwal-yeong geum-ji) or ask permission (사진 찍어도 괜찮아요? – sa-jin jjik-eo-do gwaen-chan-a-yo?) before taking pictures, particularly of Buddha statues or monks.
Gestures of Respect: 합장 (hap-jang), placing palms together at chest level, is a common gesture of respect when greeting monks or passing by Buddha statues. Bowing (절 – jeol) is also fundamental. A slight bow of the head is appropriate when greeting monks. Deeper bows are performed during prayers or ceremonies.
Offerings and Donations: Making a small donation (시주 – si-ju) is appreciated but not mandatory. Donation boxes are usually available. You might also purchase candles or incense to offer.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A foreign visitor (A) approaches a temple volunteer (B) near the main hall (대웅전 – Daeungjeon) to ask about proper bowing etiquette.
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Expression: A: 실례합니다. 질문 하나 해도 될까요?
Pronunciation: sil-lye-ham-ni-da. jil-mun ha-na hae-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: Excuse me. May I ask a question? -
Expression: B: 네, 그럼요. 무엇을 도와드릴까요?
Pronunciation: ne, geu-reom-yo. mu-eos-eul do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Yes, of course. How may I help you? -
Expression: A: 법당 안에서 부처님께 절을 하고 싶은데, 어떻게 하는 것이 예의인가요?
Pronunciation: beop-dang an-e-seo bu-cheo-nim-kke jeol-eul ha-go sip-eun-de, eo-tteoh-ge ha-neun geos-i ye-ui-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: I’d like to bow to the Buddha inside the Dharma hall, but what is the proper etiquette? -
Expression: B: 아, 네. 먼저 합장을 하시고, 보통 세 번 절을 합니다. 조용히 마음을 모아 예를 갖추시면 됩니다.
Pronunciation: a, ne. meon-jeo hap-jang-eul ha-si-go, bo-tong se beon jeol-eul ham-ni-da. jo-yong-hi ma-eum-eul mo-a ye-reul gat-chu-si-myeon doem-ni-da.
Meaning: Ah, yes. First, put your palms together (hapjang), and usually, you bow three times. Just quietly gather your mind and show respect. -
Expression: A: 합장이요? 이렇게 하는 건가요?
Pronunciation: hap-jang-i-yo? i-reoh-ge ha-neun geon-ga-yo?
Meaning: Hapjang? Like this? (Visitor demonstrates putting palms together) -
Expression: B: 네, 맞습니다. 그리고 절할 때는 이마, 양 팔꿈치, 양 무릎이 바닥에 닿도록 엎드립니다. 이것을 오체투지라고 합니다. 하지만 가볍게 허리를 숙여 절하셔도 괜찮습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, maj-seum-ni-da. geu-ri-go jeol-hal ttae-neun i-ma, yang pal-kkum-chi, yang mu-reup-i ba-dak-e da-to-rok eop-deu-rim-ni-da. i-geos-eul o-che-tu-ji-ra-go ham-ni-da. ha-ji-man ga-byeop-ge heo-ri-reul suk-yeo jeol-ha-syeo-do gwaen-chan-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, that’s correct. And when bowing (formally), you prostrate so that your forehead, both elbows, and both knees touch the floor. This is called Ochetuji (five-point prostration). However, simply bowing deeply from the waist is also acceptable. -
Expression: A: 자세히 알려주셔서 감사합니다! 조심해서 참배하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ja-se-hi al-lyeo-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da! jo-sim-hae-seo cham-bae-ha-gess-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for explaining in detail! I will pay respects carefully. -
Expression: B: 네, 편안한 시간 되십시오.
Pronunciation: ne, pyeon-an-han si-gan doe-sip-si-o.
Meaning: Yes, please have a peaceful time.
Practice Tips
Visiting a Korean Buddhist temple is the best way to practice these expressions and observe etiquette firsthand! Before you go, review the vocabulary and phrases related to things you expect to see or do. When you arrive, take a moment to observe how Koreans behave – how they enter halls, bow, and interact. Don’t be afraid to use simple phrases like 실례합니다 (sil-lye-ham-ni-da) or 감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da). If you have the chance, participating in a Temple Stay program offers an immersive experience to learn deeply about temple life, etiquette, and Buddhism while practicing your Korean. Remember, showing respect through your actions and mindful language is most important~!
