Buddhist temple Project: Practice 02

Nestled near DMZ

Ganghwa Island, located an hour’s drive from Seoul, is one of the larger islands facing the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) dividing North and South Korea. Historically, it was strategically controlled and now preserves numerous cultural heritage sites.
In the heart of Ganghwa Island near the DMZ lies the Lotus Lantern International Meditation Center. Unlike the well-known Jeondeung-sa temple near it, it remains secluded and hidden. Nestled behind the Oktoki Space Center, it offers a serene setting amidst traditional Korean architecture and small farms.

Welcoming Snow

On the day of my visit to the Lotus Lantern International Meditation Center, snow fell just as it did three years prior. The serene landscape, blanketed in snow, created an enchanting scene. We captured the moment in photos, feeling as if we were under a spell. Amidst this tranquility, we gathered at Daewoong-Jeon for lunch chanting. Soon, Abbot Monk ‘Hyedal’ joined us to lead the chants.
During the chanting session, the Abbot Monk didn’t forget to offer blessings for the believers, emphasizing peace as the main theme. Surprisingly, his nationality appeared Korean until he mentioned it himself. He kindly recommended lunch here, boasting vegetables grown by himself, which invigorated us.

Korea Abbot monk from India

Even as an abbot monk, he warmly welcomes all visitors. Every time I visit, he serves great tea with small talk in his tea room. On sunny days, tea time is held outside by the small pavilion next to the pond. The atmosphere is always neat, cozy, and auspicious. 
The conversation that day delved deep into Dharma, and the Abbot Monk’s precise yet delightful responses captivated us. We were spending over 3 hours at Lotus lantern international meditation center. He stood out as the only monk to explain the order of chanting, despite my stays at 15 other temples. Proficient in English, he answered nearly every question, showcasing a genuine love for Buddhism. His dedication to both believers and visitors solidifies the temple’s reputation as a top international meditation center in the temple stay program, despite its size.

There are numerous visually stunning temples in Korea that attract many visitors. However, for those seeking inner peace and purity of heart, I highly recommend the Lotus Lantern International Meditation Center, which is one of my secret gem. 

Information about Lotus lantern meditation center

Website 
http://www.lotuslantern.net/eng/
https://eng.templestay.com/temple_info.asp?t_id=lotus (for temple stay)

SNS
https://www.instagram.com/lotuslantern_meditaion_center?igsh=dzRzMWU4dDdweWU4

Address
349-60, Ganghwadong-ro, Gilsang-myeonGanghwa-gun, Incheonm, South Korea

Public transportation

1. Get off at Gurae Metro Station (Gimpo Gold Line) and take Exit No.3. Then, board Bus No. 70 at Gurae Bus Stop (No. 35195) and alight at Mokbigogae Bus Stop.
2. Get on a bus No. 3000(red colour intercity bus) at Hongdae(No. 14016) or Hapjoeng(No. 14012) bus stop and off at the Ganghwa bus terminal. There’s about 11 buses which heading to Mokbigogae, or you can choose taxi cost about 10,000won.

EZsPEDIA © 2024 by YUNMI LEE is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0