Pagoda Circling: Which Way to Walk and How (Tapdori)

Pagoda circling (tapdori) is a walking practice of quiet respect: you circle a pagoda that honors the Buddha slowly, always keeping it on your right, so you move clockwise. There is no fixed number of laps, but many people go around three times, following the old custom of "circling to the right three times," with palms together or chanting as they walk. At Hapjang (합장), the online temple Goyosa, you can circle the Stone Pagoda in the courtyard once, slowly, or follow behind Elder Elm Sunim.

Direction: Clockwise (pagoda on your right)
Where: Three-story Stone Pagoda in the courtyard
Each time: One slow lap
Together: Up to three people can follow Elder Elm Sunim
Elder monk's circling: Goyosa time 06:30 · 15:00 · 15:45

Why do you walk with the pagoda on your right?

Circling something you revere while keeping it on your right side is an ancient Indian custom that spread to East Asia along with Buddhism (in Sanskrit it is called pradakshina). A pagoda was originally built to hold relics of the Buddha, so walking around it was seen as walking beside the Buddha himself. In Korea, stories of pagoda circling go back to the Silla period, and even today many temples see people circling a pagoda together around Buddha's Birthday.

Good manners while circling a pagoda

Don't pass the person ahead of you; keep the same pace and follow.
Speak little. Walk with your palms together, turn prayer beads, or count your breaths.
Make a half bow toward the pagoda when you begin and when you finish.
Rather than getting caught up counting laps, stay with each step.

Who it suits

It suits people who find it easier to gather the mind while walking than while sitting still. Because you walk the same loop around a single pagoda, there is no route to think about, and even when many people circle together you can blend into the same flow without a word.

How to circle a pagoda

Begin with a half bow Stand facing the pagoda, put your palms together, and make a half bow.
Keep it on your right Turn so the pagoda is on your right-hand side.
Walk clockwise Walk clockwise around the pagoda, a little slower than your usual pace.
Settle your mind Keep your palms together and chant, or simply rest your attention on your steps and breath.
Finish your laps When you have gone around as many times as you intended, stop where you started.
Close with a half bow Make another half bow toward the pagoda and step back.

Try it in Hapjang

Stand near the Stone Pagoda in the courtyard and choose pagoda circling: your character turns so the pagoda is on the right and walks one slow clockwise lap. If you move on your own partway through, the circling ends. At Goyosa time 06:30, 15:00, and 15:45, Elder Elm Sunim circles the pagoda, and up to three people can walk behind him. A Goyosa day lasts about 17 real minutes, so the elder monk's circling comes around often.

Enter the temple

Frequently asked questions

Which direction do you walk around a pagoda?

Clockwise, keeping the pagoda on your right. The custom comes from an ancient Indian practice of keeping what you honor on your right side.

How many times should you circle a pagoda?

There is no set number. Three laps is common, and if you are short on time, one careful lap is fine.

What should you think about while circling?

Some people chant, some walk holding a single wish, and some simply feel their steps and breath in silence. Walking slowly matters more than thinking anything in particular.

Last updated 2026-11-07