[Well-curated] Templestay, seasonal cooking and sledding

Templestay at Naesosa

Immerse yourself in Buddhist culture by starting the day with prostrations and the sound of the “moktak,” a wooden percussion instrument used by Buddhist monks.

Naesosa, a temple in Buan County, North Jeolla Province, has a staff dedicated to assist overseas visitors who want to take part in its templestay program.

A total of 137 temples of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism offer three types of templestay programs: One-day programs, experience-oriented programs and rest-oriented stays.

Naesosa touts an experience-oriented stay, where participants stay together in a communal space to learn about traditional Buddhist routines -- morning chanting and meditation, making meals, lotus lanterns and prayer beads.

The program is typically done on weekends and includes an overnight stay. Online booking must be made at templestay.com, with fees depending on the program selected.

Make seasonal food at Donuimun Museum Village

Gaeseong juak, the latest culinary trend, is a chewy and savory fried rice donut rooted in the Goryeo era's Gaeseong region. Made with glutinous rice dough and generously coated with a traditional Korean sweet syrup called jocheong, this delectable treat promises a delightful fusion of flavors. So, why not try your hand at making Gaeseong juak this weekend?

The Donuimun Museum Village is holding a seasonal cooking workshop on Friday, Saturday and Sunday as part of its "Artist's Time" January program.

The outdoor village near Seodaemun Station provides glimpses into Seoul's historical architecture, preserving 40 out of 63 houses from an old neighborhood district spanning the 1900s to the 1980s.

Various hands-on workshops have been opened in 11 small hanok-style buildings in the village. Some of the workshops include crafting keyrings and calendar holders, "hanji" and mother-of-pearl crafts, making calligraphy on a hanging scroll, and traditional accessory making.

Reservations can be made through Instagram or on the village's website. Please note that the schedule and price vary for each program, and online reservations are accepted until one day before the workshop. On-site reservations are available if spots remain open after the online booking deadline.

Donuimun Museum Village operates from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day except Monday. The "Artist's Time" programs generally run from Thursday to Sunday.

Sledding at Yeouido Hangang Park

If you are looking for winter activities in Seoul, why don't you try sledding at Yeouido Hangang Park this weekend? The sled park, located near Infinite Forest at the Hangang Park, is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.

The sled park is perfect for those who want to briefly enjoy winter activities in the city without driving too far. Visitors can sled as much as they want after paying the 6,000-won entrance fee.

Visitors can also try their hand at catching smelt next to the sledding slope. Using the small scoop net provided, visitors can catch up to 20 smelt fish in 20 minutes. For those who enjoy fried fish, there is a vendor who will cook the freshly caught smelt for 4,000 won.

The sled park will run until Feb. 12. A break time to inspect the snow takes place from noon to 1 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or at the site.