Korean Temple Service (Yebul): Seven Bows of Chiljeongnye

Yebul is the basic morning and evening service at a Korean mountain temple, when respects are paid to the Buddha. Korean temples usually follow a verse offering incense or tea with chiljeongnye (七頂禮), seven full bows of refuge. The seven bows go in turn to Shakyamuni Buddha, all Buddhas, the teaching, the great bodhisattvas, the Buddha's disciples and saints, the patriarchs and teachers through the ages, and all monks; each begins with "jisim gwimyeongnye," meaning "with my whole heart I take refuge." In the online temple Hapjang (합장) you can join the dawn and evening services on Goyosa time and follow the seven full bows to a monk's moktak, with on-screen captions.

Service times: 03:30–04:10 · 17:40–18:10 Goyosa time
Sounds before: Dharma drum 03:12 · 17:12; temple bell 03:20 (28 strikes) · 17:20 (33 strikes)
Where: Main Buddha Hall
Following along: Seven full bows of Chiljeongnye to the moktak, with captions
A Goyosa day: About 17 real minutes
Stamp: 誦 in your notebook

How does a mountain temple service unfold?

Many temples hold the dawn service long before sunrise and the evening service around sunset. First the temple instruments sound to announce it; once everyone has gathered in the hall, they recite together a verse offering incense or tea, and then move on to the seven bows. Commonly the dawn service offers tea (dagyerye) and the evening service offers the five-part incense (obunhyangnye), but service times and the exact order vary by temple.

The service opens and closes the day at a mountain temple, so people staying there organize their day around it. A temple stay schedule usually includes the dawn or evening service.

If it's your first service

It's fine not to know the chant. Following the person in front of you, putting your palms together and bowing is enough.
If you arrive late, join quietly from a spot near the door.
If seven full bows are too much for your body, a half bow or palms together is fine instead.

How to join a temple service

Follow the sound to the hall When the Dharma drum and the temple bell sound, make your way to the hall.
Take your place Give a half bow as you enter, then stand in front of an empty cushion with your palms together.
Follow the verse While the verse offering incense or tea is recited, keep your palms together and gather your mind.
Seven bows In time with the moktak, make the seven full bows, each beginning with "jisim gwimyeongnye."
Stay a moment When the service ends, sit on the cushion for a moment and let your breath settle.
Bow and leave Stand, give a half bow to the Buddha, and quietly leave the hall.

Try it in Hapjang

As service time approaches, a monk gestures toward the hall. Join the service in the Main Buddha Hall and, after the five-part incense offering, Chiljeongnye begins: you automatically follow the seven full bows to the monk's moktak while captions appear on screen. When it ends you sit on a cushion and the 誦 stamp is added to your notebook. A Goyosa day lasts about 17 real minutes, so service time comes around often; if you miss one, just wait a little.

Enter the temple

Frequently asked questions

What is Chiljeongnye?

It's the part of a Korean temple service where you make seven full bows, taking refuge in turn in the Buddha, the teaching, the bodhisattvas, the saints, the patriarchs and the monks. Each bow begins with "jisim gwimyeongnye."

What time is the dawn service at a Korean temple?

Many temples begin between 3 and 4 a.m., and the evening service is held around sunset. Exact times vary by temple.

Can I attend a temple service if I'm not Buddhist?

Usually, yes. Temple stay guests join services regardless of faith, and if bowing feels uncomfortable you can simply stand with your palms together.

Last updated 2026-11-07