Millennium-old Temple Hwaeomsa to Host Hwaeom Cultural Festival from Next Month 6 to 8

Hwaeomsa Temple in Gurye, Jeollanam-do, with a history of 1,500 years, will hold the Hwaeom Cultural Festival from October 6 to 8. The theme is 'A Thousand Years of Hwaeom, Opening the Path of Propagation.'

On the opening day, the 6th, events will include the launch and tasting of the Hwaeomsa vegan burger and the release of the Hwaeomsa xylitol stone. A walking competition along the Gurye temple meditation pilgrimage path will also be held with Beomjeong Sunim, known as the 'Flower Monk.' Besides Gurye residents, 50 participants will be recruited on a first-come, first-served basis through the Hwaeomsa website.

Gukho No. 301 Hwaeomsa Yeongsanhoe Gwaebultang [Photo by Hwaeomsa]

The National Treasure No. 301, the Hwaeomsa Yeongsanhoe Gwaebultang, which can be seen only once a year, will be carried out. For the first time this year, general public participation applications will be accepted through the website. The Gwaebuljae ceremony, which includes dance, music, and ritual offerings, will also be held.

At night, a classical outdoor concert will be held with commentary by Kim Ju-yeon, the music director of Hwaeomsa and former music director of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

On the second day, a memorial service will be held for the 39th anniversary of the passing of Lee Sandang Dogwang Daeseonsa, a modern master of Hwaeomsa, and the 12th anniversary of the passing of Docheon Daeseonsa. From 7 p.m. that day, the highlight of the Hwaeom Cultural Festival, the Hwaeom Music Concert, will take place. The stage will feature fusion gugak with singer Jang Sa-ik, a classical dance team from India, and a b-boy performance team.

2022 Hwaeom Music Concert
[Photo by Hwaeomsa]

On the last day in the morning, the 49th memorial service for the senior monk Jongseol will be held, followed in the afternoon by the 3rd Mother's Path Walking Competition with Hwaeomsa ambassador Mariel.

Deokmun Sunim, the head monk of Hwaeomsa, said, "The temple should be a place for everyone," adding, "Hwaeomsa has prepared the cultural festival with the spirit of Dong-eop Jungsaeng (同業衆生), meaning all sentient beings living together."