Haeinsa Temple in Hapcheon Holds Summer Retreat... Resumed After 4 Years

Elementary, Middle School, and General Divisions: 50 Participants Each... First-Come, First-Served Registration

Interior view of the Haeinsa Temple Tripitaka Koreana.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Soon-kyung] Haeinsa, the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, is holding its summer retreat, which was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, for the first time in four years under the theme "Back to Daily Life, Finding a Happy Me at the Mountain Temple" from the 20th to the 30th of next month.

Haeinsa is a temple with a history of 1,200 years. It is the largest temple in Korea, housing over 70 relics including World Cultural Heritage, documentary heritage, national treasures, and treasures, and is a pure training ground where about 500 monks practice.

This retreat aims to soothe the mind and body tired from COVID-19 and allow participants to experience Buddhist culture firsthand, escaping from their busy daily lives. Additionally, by living together with monks at the temple, participants will have time to reflect on themselves. The retreat will recruit 50 participants each for the general group and the elementary and middle school group.

The general group program runs from July 20 to 23 for 3 nights and 4 days. Participants will practice basic temple etiquette, learn the procedures of Buddhist services, perform 108 prostrations and meditation, and engage in the "Love for the Tripitaka Koreana" 3-bo 1-bae practice.

The elementary and middle school group program runs from July 28 to 30 for 2 nights and 3 days. Participants will experience various programs such as learning temple etiquette and Buddhist services, meditation experiences, and the "Love for the Tripitaka Koreana" walking meditation.

Seungwoo Sunim, head of Haeinsa's propagation department, said, "The Haeinsa summer retreat, which was suspended due to COVID-19, is reopening," and asked for many participants. He added, "I invite you on a journey to find yourself in the cool mountain temple during the hot summer."

Participants should bring comfortable clothing and sneakers. Wearing revealing clothes such as sleeveless shirts or leggings is discouraged. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis from June 27 to July 10.

Applications can be made through the Haeinsa website or by phone. The participation fee is 200,000 KRW for the general group and 100,000 KRW for the elementary and middle school group.