International Seon Center opens in Seoul

The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism opened an International Seon Center in Sinjeong-dong in southern Seoul on November 15.

The International Seon Center concentrates on Ganhwaseon “word contemplation” meditation and helping people experience Buddhist culture through activities like temple stays. Membership is open to all and costs 100,000 won a month, including classes. Also, free classes are available on weekends.

(From left to right) meditation hall, exterior, and lounge (Photo: International Seon Center)

"We will promote Korean Buddhism, Korean spirit and culture to the world through the center," said Venerable Jaseung, Administrative Director of the Jogye Order, at the opening ceremony on Nov. 15. "We hope that we can deliver traditional values of Korean Buddhism to both Korea and the world."

The center is housed in a ten-story building, the exterior of which has been designed to resemble the famous nine-story Hwangnyongsa Pagoda that used to stand in Gyeongju. The mix of modern and traditional elements in its design distinguishes it from many of the other meditation centers in Korea.

"We actually got the idea for the design of the building from Hwangnyongsa Pagoda, which was built in the Silla period," said a staff from the center. "The center symbolizes Silla Buddhism, when the international exchange of Buddhism was most active in Korean history.”

Guest house accommodations, meditation hall (Photo: International Seon Center)

The center has a variety of facilities, including a meditation hall, Buddhist sanctuary, guest house, library and cafeteria. The guest house is equipped with nine rooms for two or three people, three dormitory rooms for larger groups, and shared bathrooms. The center hopes that the quality of the accommodations will help make the center a popular place for foreigners seeking temple stay experiences.

The center also features a traditional Korean culture experience hall where visitors can enjoy activities like learning to make vegetarian temple food.

English Dharma talks are held every Sunday with Wontong, a Polish monk.  There are also translation services available for non-Koreans who want to join meditation sessions.

A tour of the center (top) and a meditation session (bottom) (Photo: International Seon Center)

"We offer translation services for foreigners during temple stays and Ganhwaseon," said the center’s abbot, Hyunjo. "We will help foreigners better understand Korea’s spiritual culture through programs, forums and meditation."

The International Seon Center is operated by seven monks and seven employees. For more information, please visit the center’s official website, www.seoncenter.or.kr, or call (02) 2650-2200.

Jessica Seoyoung Choi
Korea.net Staff Writer