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Description
Our meditation center offers a serene refuge where you can immerse yourself in the practices of Jhana(concentration practice) and Vipassana(insight) meditation. Guided by our revered Korean sunim, who dedicated over a decade to deepening these practices in Myanmar, our center embodies a profound commitment to nurturing both concentration and wisdom. Here, you will find a gentle, supportive environment designed to learn meditation.
Located in the beautiful rural village of Geochang-gun, our center is situated at an altitude of 720 meters, surrounded by majestic mountains and lush landscapes. The tranquility of our secluded location and our apple, grape, and vegetable farms provide a perfect backdrop for meditation. Most of our vegetables come from our organic farms.
If you are interested in meditation and willing to learn, we will guide beginners while advanced practitioners are encouraged to bring their techniques. Of course, if you’re open to it, we hope you will try the meditation techniques offered here. Every evening, you can join our group meditation sessions, and our monks are always available to share insights on Buddhism and meditation.
The meditation center welcomes you to contribute your time and energy to the meditation center through various volunteer opportunities, including kitchen duties, gardening, farming, and general upkeep while practicing here. However, the work at the meditation center can be repetitive, similar to the practice of meditation, and some of works also physical labour. The meditation center also needs individuals who can offer skills in carpentry, cooking, sewing, and renovation. Since the meditation center relies on donations, most tasks are completed by our own hands.
Some volunteers do not enjoy repetitive work, while others find joy in it. In fact, the meditation center is a place to cultivate meditation skills, and it can be very fulfilling for anyone who wants to learn meditation. Several volunteers come back repeatedly or extend their stay, but it must be acknowledged that they are all very passionate about meditation. The meditation center does not require performance; it only seeks your sincerity and willingness to give. You can complete the contributions you wish to make to the meditation center with our trust in you.
The meditation center is essentially a hub of meditation that requires you to temporarily set aside external social activities to better connect with your inner self and cultivate your mind. Everyone should follow the rules to cultivate meditation in a quiet and harmonious environment.
We kindly ask that you adhere to the following guidelines:
1. Quiet and Respectful Atmosphere: To nurture a calm environment, we ask for quiet during communal meals. Light conversation is allowed during the day, but please keep it gentle.
2. After 6:30 PM, it is time for group meditation or personal quiet time, so please refrain from gathering or group talking.
3. Thoughtful Attire: Please dress modestly and comfortably, wearing knee-length trousers and a shirt. For work attire, we recommend bringing a sun hat and work shoes. We will provide waterproof shoes and gloves, you can bring your comfortable footwear, especially for farm work.
4. Timely Participation: Following the working schedule helps the team work flow smoothly. (The rest of the time is your resting, personal retreat)
4. Conserving Energy: As a donation-supported center, we appreciate your mindfulness in conserving electricity. Please turn off lights when they’re not needed.
5. Phone Use: To maintain tranquility, please use phones only in designated areas, such as in front of the office or near the Small Buddha Hall.
6. Electronic Devices: Electronic devices are restricted to certain times in the dining room, where wireless access is available. Please refrain from using devices in dormitories or other areas.
7. Visiting Rooms: Please do not visit other people's rooms.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Our center is a true training hub for meditation enthusiasts. Many meditators have dedicated years to practicing here. You will find meditation here if you are looking for a place where meditation is at the core of daily life. However, if your current interests lean more towards social activities or different experiences, you may find this is not the right place for you.
Work options
You can choose to work 5 hours a day， work 5 days a week and take 2 days off; work 3 days and take 1 day off; or work for several consecutive days followed by a few days off.
***For those volunteers who want to immerse themselves in a meditative life fully, they can choose to work for three and a half hours each day without breaks. You can remain silent and fully engage in meditation during the remaining time.
Many meditators desire inner reconciliation rather than the pursuit of external achievements. If you resonate with this journey of inner exploration and are ready to embrace a simple life, you will find an environment that shares your common goals.
Please follow the rules to maintain the tranquility of our center. Our guidelines are designed to preserve the atmosphere necessary for meditation. If you have meditation experience, you will appreciate how these rules promote a harmonious environment. If you are new to this lifestyle, please consider whether these guidelines align with your expectations and readiness.
We offer weekly yoga classes, and if suitable instructors are available, we can arrange for more frequent classes. These optional classes do not count towards your working hours, allowing you to participate at your discretion.
Why Join Us?
If you are looking for a peaceful place to cultivate your meditation practice, the Buddha-Forest Meditation Center will assist you. Here, your presence and contributions will be welcomed with kindness and understanding. You will find a place where your spirit can thrive, but this depends on your determination to pursue meditation.
Help
Seasonal Activities:
Spring (April - June): Spring is a time of renewal and growth. To nurture the land, you'll plough, garden, and plant trees. Volunteers also help gather mountain fruits and vegetables, contributing to the year’s first harvests. This season may be physically demanding, but the joy of seeing new life flourish makes it deeply rewarding.
Summer (July - August): Summer brings its challenges with heat and humidity, yet it is essential for our agricultural efforts. Volunteers continue with vital farming tasks and are welcome to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Despite the sweltering temperatures, the beauty of the natural surroundings and the chorus of cicadas offer a soothing counterbalance.
Autumn (September - November): Autumn is a vibrant, colorful season dedicated to harvesting and preparing for winter. Volunteers work together to collect crops and plant winter vegetables, creating a warm and communal atmosphere as the landscape transforms into a tapestry of rich hues.
Winter (December - March): Winter presents unique challenges with snow and cold temperatures. Volunteers assist with snow removal and focus on essential indoor tasks. Although the weather can be harsh, the warmth of the community and the satisfaction of keeping the center running smoothly make this season special.
In addition to farming, volunteers help maintain the daily life of over 50 meditators in long-term meditation practice, including cooking, kitchen, and housekeeping work. Tasks include woodworking and sewing for recycling projects, maintaining buildings, organizing storage, moving stones, mowing grass, weeding, and pruning fruit trees.
Outdoor Tasks:
Embrace the joy of working in nature by engaging in farming, gardening, and landscape maintenance. Your efforts in planting, harvesting, and caring for our orchard and vegetable garden directly support the meals of all meditators.
Indoor Tasks:
Contribute your heart and hands in the kitchen by helping with dishwashing, cleaning, and organizing. Indoor work also includes maintaining dormitories, crafting, sewing, carpentry, cooking, and recycling. Your skills and creativity help sustain a non-profit meditation lifestyle.
Meditation Practice:
Our center hosts over 50 meditators daily, fostering a serene environment where meditation and service go hand in hand. Volunteers are encouraged to enhance their mindfulness and meditation skills while contributing to the community.
Sustainability:
As a donation-based non-profit organization, we rely on the collective spirit of our community. Recycling and sustainability are integral to our operations, and your contributions in these areas are greatly valued.
The purpose of the meditation center is to cultivate meditation and train the mind. One can thrive here only with perseverance and a genuine enthusiasm for learning meditation. The repetitive tasks, early morning schedules, and living and working alongside monks require overcoming external and internal challenges in the initial stages of meditation. It is good that you come ready to learn meditation; only then will this place be the right choice for you.
We look forward to welcoming you into our meditation environment, where every effort is valued, and everyone is on a journey to find their inner peace.
Languages spoken
Korean: Fluent
Malay: Fluent
Chinese (Mandarin): Fluent
English: Intermediate
Spanish: Beginner
French: Beginner
Accommodation
Accommodation and Rooming:
Private Rooms:
Every volunteer is usually provided with a single room, equipped with either an attached bathroom or a shared bathroom, depending on availability.
Exceptional Circumstances:
During exceptional times, such as a sudden influx of participants during an Intensive Meditation Camp, there may be a need to temporarily move rooms. We will inform you in advance if your stay overlaps with such an event, and we will strive to accommodate your needs with the utmost care.
Food and Dining:
Buffet Options: Our meals feature a buffet with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. If you are vegetarian, you are welcome to enjoy our plant-based offerings and opt out of the non-vegetarian options.
Minimum Stay: To fully immerse yourself in the experience of meditation and service, we ask for a commitment of at least two weeks. This duration allows you to make a meaningful impact and become a cherished part of our community.
Preparation: Before traveling to Korea, please ensure you obtain a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) to facilitate your visit.
What else ...
This meditation center has successfully registered as a temple offering Temple-Stays. We warmly encourage everyone to learn meditation and incorporate its calming effects into daily life. Long-term practice here is free, reflecting our belief that meditation should be accessible to everyone. Therefore, volunteers play a crucial role in maintaining daily operations and supporting the overall functioning of the center.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
5 hours per day, 2 days off
Feedback (26)
My stay was about 3 1/2 weeks long. It was my first workaway and I am glad this place was the first I got to experience.
A place full of lovely people that I enjoyed listening and talking to and learning from. The suenims where extremly kind and even though not… read more
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My stay was about 3 1/2 weeks long. It was my first workaway and I am glad this place was the first I got to experience.
A place full of lovely people that I enjoyed listening and talking to and learning from. The suenims where extremly kind and even though not… read more
This place really felt like home. The whole place exudes peace and tranquility. We loved having the routine of getting up before sunrise and practicing morning meditation. The sunrises are truly incredible, and the food is absolutely sensational.
We… read more
All the sunims were incredibly kind and warm. They took great care of us.
I planned only… read more
The Sunims and workawayers I met were incredibly kind and generous, through exchanging with… read more
I worked 3.5 hours each day in the garden, kitchen, or farm. Every task was simply delightful and rewarding, to work with your hands and watch the fruits of your labour take shape and grow,… read more
Originally I planned to volunteer here for 3 weeks, but extended my stay twice and would have stayed even longer if I could. Being far from civilization up in the mountains, breathing fresh air and eating colorful vegetarian food, starting the day early in the morning… read more
we stayed in the meditation center for 3 weeks and we can already tell that those weeks were an essential turning point in our lives.
As a volunteer it's up to you how deeply you want to emerge yourself into the meditators experience.
But waking up at 4am daily… read more
I enjoyed the work, the food was exceptionally good and the accommodation quite luxurious.
I liked the silence and found it an excellent environment to pursue my spiritual practices.
I am very grateful to the Sunnins for offering me a place to… read more
I spent two weeks at the meditation center. The landscapes are beautiful, the food is good and the people so kind and generous. I left crying.
It's better to go with a little bit of knowledge but also being ready to commit because this experience can definitely affect your views and behaviours towards… read more
Spending a month at the center helped me appreciate… read more
The work can be physical but in a great atmosphere, the rooms are clean and cozy and the meals are delicious.
I felt lucky to wake up everyday to such great landscape and view on the mountains. A lot of gratitude goes to the monks and every… read more
There's always something to do and work on,… read more
Community. Healing. Challenging (in a good way). These are the words that can sum up my time during my stay. In regards to details...
Community- This meditation campus is very community focused and centered. The monks were all so friendly and helpful. Even when there were a few language barriers here… read more
I really liked the community life with the monks who were… read more
