Explore Korea’s Spiritual Side: 2026 Spring Temple Stay Train Journey on Central Line

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[Herald Economy — Reporter Ham Young-hoon] Ready for a spring reset? Korail Tourism Development and the Korean Buddhist Cultural Project Group co-created the 2026 Spring Temple-Stay Train Trip, and its second departure of the year rolls out Sunday, April 12, on the Jungang Line.

The series launched March 29 on the Honam Line and sold out fast. For April, organizers designed six routes along the inland Jungang Line, connecting temples and hidden gems across Yeongwol, Danyang, Bonghwa, Andong and Uiseong.

Launched in 2024 using tourist trains, the temple-stay train has run three consecutive years, bringing roughly 1,100 travelers to 44 temples. It answers a growing appetite for more than sightseeing—people want a real detox from daily life. Buoyed by strong interest in the March Honam Line trip, Korail Tourism Development plans three runs this year: March (Honam Line), April (Jungang Line) and a later Gyeongbu Line itinerary.

The April Jungang Line offerings are built on three layers: temple experiences, local specialty activities, and visits to traditional markets. Every route includes a local market stop so travelers can taste seasonal spring foods while supporting regional businesses—what you might call thoughtful, community-first travel.

▷ Uiseong Gounsa course: Discover hidden Gyeongbuk history by pairing Gounsa—a Three Kingdoms–era temple that charms in every season—with the Jomunguk Museum and nearby historic sites. The itinerary also spotlights Gounsa’s moving recovery after last year’s large wildfire, as the forest slowly comes back to life.

▷ Andong Bongjeongsa course: From Bongjeongsa—the country’s oldest wooden structure—to the UNESCO World Heritage Hahoe Village, this is a top-tier history-and-culture route.

▷ Bonghwa Chukseosa course: A restorative escape that pairs the calm of a thousand-year temple set in stunning nature with the warm scent of wood at the local Wood Culture Experience Center.

▷ Danyang Guinsa & Mireuk Daeheungsa course: Get your heart racing on the Mancheonha Skywalk in spring breezes, then trek the Danyang River cliff trail—where nature and faith meet.

▷ Yeongwol Mangyeongsansa course: A one-day, offbeat combo: raft-building on Seonam Village’s river and a wine tasting at Yemil Winery—history, culture and food in one go.

Value and convenience mirror the March offerings. The all-inclusive package still covers round-trip train fare, local transportation, temple-stay fees and main admission charges. Travelers can board in Seoul Station, Cheongnyangni and Yangpyeong, as well as regional stations like Wonju (Gangwon) and Jecheon (Chungbuk), so both metro-area residents and locals have more options. After disembarking at stations near the temples, participants are connected to local vehicles, letting them focus on the experience—not parking logistics. Each traveler gets a temple-stay souvenir: a moktak LED keycap keyring.

Lee Woo-hyun, acting CEO of Korail Tourism Development, said, “Thanks to the warm response to the March Honam Line itinerary, expanding to the Jungang Line feels especially meaningful. We hope this trip—combining the temples’ quiet and the region’s spring energy—gives people a small, restorative pause in their daily lives.”