Families and youth from Inje County spent time walking in the forest and meditating together at Baekdamsa Temple. This program utilized the temple's natural surroundings and cultural practices to enhance communication among family members.
According to Inje County, 23 participants, including middle and high school students from seven families, took part in the 'Youth Family Baekdamsa Temple Stay' held on October 10-11. Over the course of the 1-night, 2-day event, participants experienced the temple's daily life through compassionate meditation, forest walks, stargazing meditation, and tea discussions with monks.
The program was designed to allow youth and families to relax and engage in activities together in nature. Participation was free of charge. By combining the cultural background of Baekdamsa, where Manhae Han Yong-un practiced, with forest trails and temple experiences, the initiative encouraged residents to utilize local resources for family activities.
Nationwide, temple stays are evolving to combine experiences of temple life with meditation, relaxation, and travel. The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism announced plans last year to operate special meditation temple stays for 2,500 young adults in their 20s and 30s across 57 temples. This initiative aims to expand participation opportunities based on age and interests.
This year, programs linked to travel continue. The Korean Buddhist Cultural Business Group plans to offer the 'Double Happiness Temple Stay' in November at 101 temples nationwide, with a participation fee of 30,000 won for a 1-night, 2-day stay for domestic visitors. This initiative presents temple experiences as an option for a relaxing getaway from daily life.
In this context, the Inje County program focused on shared experiences for local youth and families. The schedule included walking, meditating, and conversing together, connecting local cultural resources with opportunities for family communication.
Lee Ho-seong, head of the Inje County Culture and Education Department, stated, 'I hope this temple stay provides a valuable time for youth and families to step away from their daily routines and focus on each other.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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