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Description
Our meditation center offers a serene refuge where you can immerse yourself in the practice of cultivating Jhana (concentration practice) and Vipassana (insight meditation). Guided by our revered Korean sunims, who dedicated over a decade deepening their practice in Myanmar, they returned to Korea and continue to guide meditators at the center in developing concentration and wisdom. You will learn meditation in an environment that is highly supportive and encouraging.
The meditation center’s meditation system is based on Early Buddhism, providing meditators with the opportunity to gradually experience firsthand the path that the Buddha took toward enlightenment. Meditation begins with the practice of Ānāpānasati, a method of cultivating concentration by focusing on the breath. This practice allows the mind to distance itself from all worldly attachments, find rest, and gradually develop concentration through continued awareness of the breath.
For those committed to continuously developing concentration and nurturing inner peace, it is necessary to reduce external disturbances. Therefore, the meditation center has certain rules, such as maintaining silence and avoiding loud conversations in public areas, as sound is one of the primary factors that disrupt meditation. The center is home to individuals who dedicate their lives to serious meditation, as well as those who take a short break from family and work to spend limited time here cultivating peace. These rules are in place to protect and minimize interference for everyone.
The meditation center warmly welcomes meditators and volunteers who are willing to dedicate their hearts to the practice. Depending on your commitment, many meditators report gaining the ability to live with contentment and tranquility, learning how to protect their inner self, and strengthening their mental resilience.
The meditation center is located in the rural area of Geochang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, at an altitude of 720 meters. Surrounded by majestic mountains and lush natural landscapes, it offers a serene environment with apple orchards, grape vineyards, and vegetable farms. Most of the vegetables used in meals come from the center's organic farm.
Meditation is a priceless treasure. The meditation center is primarily focused on cultivating and training the mind and does not engage in any economic activities. To enable meditators to fully dedicate themselves to developing concentration, the center provides consistency, continuity, and sufficient time for practice. Therefore, apart from donations, the center relies heavily on self-sufficiency to maintain its operations. Thus, volunteers, long-term meditators, and the monastic community work together to sustain the center by actively participating in all aspects of daily life, including food, clothing, shelter, and other necessities.
The meditation center welcomes you to contribute your time and energy to help maintain the center, including kitchen work, gardening, farming, and daily upkeep, while living and practicing meditation here. As the center’s primary focus is meditation, the work is not designed to develop specific skills but instead may be repetitive and similar in nature to the meditative state itself. Some tasks may also require physical effort. Volunteers with skills in carpentry, cooking, sewing, or renovation are particularly needed. Since the center operates on donations, most tasks are carried out by the residents themselves.
Some volunteers may find repetitive work less appealing, while others discover joy in it. In fact, the meditation center is a place to cultivate meditation skills, and for those eager to learn meditation, this experience can be deeply fulfilling. Many volunteers return multiple times or extend their stay, as they are often passionate about meditation.
The meditation center is essentially a place of practice that requires you to temporarily step away from external social activities, such as frequent use of electronic devices. Distancing yourself from social activities and technology allows you to delve deeper into your inner world and cultivate a peaceful and strong mind. Everyone is expected to follow the rules to foster a quiet and harmonious environment, enhancing the meditation experience for all.
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
Interests
Self development
Farming
Plant care
Gardening
Drawing & painting
DIY & crafts
Cooking & food
Carpentry
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
If you are a true meditation enthusiast, eager to deeply cultivate concentration and study the Buddha's teachings, the meditation center will be an ideal place for you. For volunteers who are more inclined toward learning about culture, language, or making friends rather than meditation, this may not be the most suitable place, as conversations and excessive social activities are limited. Even so, living in a meditation center in Korea will gently immerse you in Korean culture, allowing you to experience its charm through your senses of sight, hearing, touch, and taste.
Work Options:
- Work 5 hours a day, 5 days a week, with 2 days off.
- Work for 3 days, then take 1 day off.
- Work for several consecutive days, followed by a few days off.
**********On your days off, you are free to explore anywhere or take short trips.
For those volunteers who wish to fully immerse themselves in a meditative life, you may choose to work 3.5 hours each day without breaks. During the remaining time, you can remain silent and fully engage in meditation.
If you feel the need for this journey of inner exploration and are ready to embrace a simple life, this center will provide an environment where you can connect with like-minded individuals.
Please Follow the Rules:
To maintain the tranquility of the center, please adhere to our rules. These guidelines are designed to preserve the atmosphere necessary for meditation. If you have prior meditation experience, you will understand how these rules promote a harmonious environment. If you are new to this lifestyle, please carefully consider whether these guidelines align with your expectations and readiness.
Activities We Offer:
We provide weekly yoga classes, and if suitable instructors are available, we can arrange for more frequent classes. These classes are optional and do not count towards your working hours, allowing you to participate at your discretion.
Why Join Us?
If you are truly looking for a peaceful place to cultivate your meditation practice, the meditation center will provide the support you need.
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.At the meditation center, except for winter, most of our time is spent planting trees, engaging in horticultural work, and tending to the vegetable garden. Since the center does not engage in any economic activities, yet many meditators and volunteers reside here long-term, nurturing their inner selves together, everything is self-sufficient. The fruits of our labor are also our own to enjoy.
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
German: Intermediate
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 ...
Although this meditation center has successfully registered as a Temple-Stays meditation center, we encourage everyone to learn meditation and integrate its calming effects into daily life. Meditation should be widely accessible. Therefore, even long-term practice here is free. As a result, volunteers play a vital 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
Feedback (47)
Being into that place was what I needed to experience. Deeply.… read more
Liisa, who always lit… read more
The sunims, volunteers and others welcomed me with such warmth and sincerity. It was extremely hard to leave - I cried a lot in my last two days there 😅 I am already planning when I can go back, and will definitely stay for much much longer!
The temple/center quickly helped me get into a… read more
Daily life there is incredibly blissful. The simple routine, easygoing work, most delicious healthy meals, time to meditate,… read more
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Being into that place was what I needed to experience. Deeply.… read more
Liisa, who always lit… read more
The sunims, volunteers and others welcomed me with such warmth and sincerity. It was extremely hard to leave - I cried a lot in my last two days there 😅 I am already planning when I can go back, and will definitely stay for much much longer!
The temple/center quickly helped me get into a… read more
Daily life there is incredibly blissful. The simple routine, easygoing work, most delicious healthy meals, time to meditate,… read more
With her serene smile that brought comfort to those around her, she added depth to the meditative atmosphere of our center. She took the initiative to understand and… read more
If we were to describe her, she is as steady as a mountain, as comforting as the… read more
Come to meditate, rest, and get to know yourself in a different rhythm of life.
I came here out of curiosity and didn’t expect much but to just learn a bit about the daily life in a temple. But there was so much more waiting for me, that I didn’t see coming that became a blessing for my life.
The meditation center is a place deep in the Korean countryside, far away from all the hustle and… read more
He is our key assistant. We have… read more
Harder for me that expected to wake up (really) early, and be surrounded / taught Buddhism through some religious point of view (which is totally to be expected and understandle, of… read more
It was a true pleasure to stay at the temple and connect with everyone there. The work was well-organized and varied, with tasks suited to different skills. The food was fresh and absolutely amazing—like a buffet every day. The yoga classes and meditation sessions were incredibly welcome, providing a perfect… read more
The meditation centre is located in a pretty secluded mountainous… read more
We greatly looked… read more
I spent 4 weeks in this meditation center and I can say that this experience will remain engraved in me.
The view of the mountains, the soothing silence, we only hear the sound of the water flowing. The food offered is varied and always of high quality. Everything is done to make us feel good.
The sunims are always… read more
I've built important foundations for my equilibrium. An inner peace based on calmness, acceptance and release.
I cultivated a feeling of well-being that continued to blossom every week during the process and then outside the experience.
I was able to put my skills into practice to offer bread,… read more
Merci beaucoup pour tout.
J'espère pouvoir revenir un… read more
I try to be short but my words will be not enough.
There are a lot of different tasks or kind of help they need. so they will find what fits better for you.
I helped them with carpentry, some repairing and maintenance, woodworking and building fornitures.
The food is super good and super healthy.
I could improve my… read more
We learned so much, especially about meditation. This… read more
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
