Beomeosa Seongbo Museum Emerges as a 'Cultural Heritage Education Hub' for Children and Families

Communication Through Emotional Programs Such as "Healing Forest, Beomeosa"

A space where children and families can experience cultural heritage together while also finding emotional healing is gaining attention in the local community.

The Seongbo Museum at Beomeosa, located on the slopes of Geumjeongsan in Busan, is opening a new chapter in children's cultural education through educational programs that combine Buddhist culture and nature.

Since 2023, the Seongbo Museum at Beomeosa has made children's education a core part of its mission and has operated a variety of public support programs. In particular, it has taken the lead in broadening access to cultural experiences and establishing the educational role of local museums.

This year as well, the museum is planning and operating a total of three major educational initiatives, including the "Healing Forest, Beomeosa" program.

"Healing Forest, Beomeosa" is a program that has been selected for Busan City's "Creating a Warm Community" grant project for three consecutive years. It is an experiential education program focused on emotional healing, based on Buddhist philosophy and contemplation in nature.

This program runs twice a month from June to November, for a total of 12 sessions. Participants walk, touch, and create in the Beomeosa area, experiencing artifacts and traditional culture as part of their daily lives. Rather than simply viewing cultural heritage, the program offers opportunities to feel it up close in everyday life. The program is designed for approximately 400 people, including children, adolescents, families, and socially disadvantaged groups in the Busan area. It is open to all generations. Participation is completely free, and pre-registration is available on the museum's website on the first day of each month.

Beomeosa is also running two other programs supported by the National Heritage Administration: "Daewoong, In Search of the Great Hero!" and "Mushiro Meditation." In April and May, under the theme "Beomeosa Heroes," the museum offered experiential education tailored to children, including cultural heritage interpretation, a temple building pop-up book, and Daewoongjeon block building. In June and July, the museum will continue with programs focusing on inner reflection, including meditation and embroidery experiences held in front of the Beomeosa Gwaebuldo.

During the summer vacation period, the museum will host the "Beomeosa Yadanbeopseok" experiential festival for children. This event, selected for support by the Busan City Private Museum Program, is designed as a play-based museum festival combining experience kits based on Buddhist cultural heritage, traditional games, and performances.

Venerable Jeongoh (Abbot of Geumjeong Chongnim Beomeosa and Director of the Museum) stated, "I hope the Seongbo Museum at Beomeosa will grow beyond a space for displaying artifacts and become a cultural education platform that connects the temple, the local community, Buddhism, and everyday life." He added, "I hope that in this space of healing and contemplation, children will discover direction in their lives through cultural heritage, and that families and neighbors will learn and grow together."

The Seongbo Museum at Beomeosa plans to continue reinterpreting the essence of traditional culture in a modern way and to work with the local community to create a sustainable educational foundation that allows all citizens to encounter cultural heritage in their daily lives.