Korean Buddhist Cultural Center is Officially Open

Center for the education and training of Korean Buddhism and Practice

The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism held the official opening ceremony for the Korean Buddhist Cultural Center near Gongju City on June 11 with over 300 in attendance including Jogye Order head Ven. Jikwan, Chairperson of the Jogye Order Central Council Ven. Boseon, and Yu In-chon, the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. Ven. Jikwan said, “Members of the Jogye Order have worked with one heart to dig the earth, erect the pillar, and raised the crossbeam. Now, we have this wonderful cultural center. This center will provide a place for experiencing Korean culture and individual practice. This center will be place to recharge, rest, and self reflect. This center will help promote the relationship between man and nature, and society and organization.”

Ven. Boseon said, “I hope that this center would provide a place to figure out the critical needs of humanity. I hope that this center will become a gateway for promulgating Korean Buddhist culture.”

The land for the center was selected in August of 2004. The cultural center began construction in July 2007 with a budget of approximately 20 million dollars on 2.5 acres. Located 15 minute walking distance  from Magoksa Temple , the center is deep in the forest. The training area of the cultural center provides diverse halls for various functions. There are classrooms, a large lecture hall, meditation hall, discussion hall, office, lounge, and so forth. These halls can facilitate meditation, chanting, lectures, ceremonies, among other diverse activities. The meditation hall is especially impressive as the walls are made of red clay. It lends to a serene and gentle atmosphere.

The living area has a large dining hall, which is all glass on one side with a view of the stream. The sleeping quarters are modern rooms for one, two, four, six, and twelve persons. Over 300 can sleep at the center. The Jogye Order will use the center for employee training, templestay training, cultural programs, meditation programs, among other functions.