Start your morning with a peaceful visit to Jogyesa Temple before Seoul becomes crowded and busy.

This relaxed walking experience begins earlier than most Seoul tours, allowing you to experience a calmer start to the day while many travellers are still deciding what to do in the morning.

At the temple, you’ll learn simple local customs such as bowing and making wishes while hearing stories about how temples remain deeply connected to everyday Korean life.

For many Koreans, visiting temples today is often less about strict religion and more about finding peace, balance and relief from the stress of modern society. In a country known for long working hours and fast-paced city life, many people visit temples to slow down, reflect, pray for loved ones and mentally recharge.

Depending on the temple schedule and availability, we may also visit the nearby temple stay centre where guests sometimes have the opportunity to join short cultural programmes such as making Buddhist prayer beads or lotus lantern crafts. On certain days, tea with a monk may also be available, offering a chance to experience a quieter and more personal side of Korean temple culture.

From the temple, we walk through the traditional streets of Insadong, known for its tea houses, artisan shops and traditional crafts. We’ll stop at a traditional tea house to enjoy Korean tea and light snacks before continuing to Ikseon-dong, where old Seoul blends with modern cafés and trendy local businesses.

This experience is designed for travellers looking for a calm, easy and meaningful morning in Seoul before the crowds arrive.