For the past eighteen years, the Lotus Lantern International Meditation Center has been providing a unique look into Korean Buddhist culture through a global lens. Monks and laypeople of different countries gather in harmony to practice Seonmeditation.

It is a quieter temple than most, with lots of time given to independent cultivation. It continues to give quality experiences to the International community through its Templestay program.

HistoryFounder Weon Myeong Sunim had a vision to promote Korean Buddhism worldwide. He became a monk at an early age. For 10 years, in HaeinsaTemple of Gyeongsangnamdo Province, he served as the third disciple of Korea’s “Living Buddha,”Venerable Seong Cheol Sunim, who was known as the Supreme Patriarch of the Jogye Order and was responsible for maintaining the authenticity of Korean Buddhism in the post World War II Era.

Weon Myeong Sunim spent more than a decade as a monk in intensive meditation centers in South Korea, which led to his sudden awakening. He headed overseas to further his practice in countries like Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. He also studied English in the United Kingdom. As he travelled, he noticed many people abroad did not know of Korean Buddhist teachings. Therefore, he became very involved in bringing western monks into the Jogye Order.

In 1997, he created the center in Seoul to help monks of many nations adapt to monastery life in Korea. The center later moved to its current loca-tion in the remoteness of Ganghwa Island, where his legacy lives on. The center continues to attract truth seekers from countries all over the world, such as India, America, England, Russia, and Sweden.

You will see your original

face, your true nature, the

nature of the entire universe, and realize that you had always and originally

been a Buddha. This is nirvana."

“

Lotus Lantern International Meditation Center349-60 Ganghwadong-ro Gilsang-myeon Ganghwa-gun

Incheon, South Korea (417-841)lotuslantern.net@gmail.com | Ph: 032-937-7033 | Fax: 032-937-7034

Sister TemplesBulshimsa Ukraine

Dalmasa Moscow, Russia

Buddha Bhumi Kathmandu, Nepal

Yunhwawon Singapore

Weon Myeongsa Bangladesh

Haeinsa Pogyuwon Jakarta, Indonesia

Take a TourThere are six buildings at Lotus Lantern; SeoraeMeditation Building and calligraphy room, library and office, guest house, dining hall, monk dormitory and Gogyeong Meditation Hall. The guest house has eleven rooms and can accommodate up to thirty-three guests. Large parties are accommodated in the GogyeongMeditation Hall. There is also a beautiful courtyard and organic garden.

LocationThe center is located in one of South Korea’s biggest metropolis’, Incheon. The city holds a population of three-million residents. Many people from surrounding cities visit and volunteer at the center.

How To ReachThe center is two hours away, via public transportation, from the Incheon International Airport and South Korea’s capital, Seoul. The temple offers pick up from the Ganghwa Bus Terminal, located just thirty minutes away.

Ganghwa Bus Terminal

(강화버스터미널)

Lotus Lantern International Meditation Center

(연등국제선원)

Incheon International Airport

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Lotus Lantern International Meditation Center349-60 Ganghwadong-ro Gilsang-myeon Ganghwa-gun

Incheon, South Korea (417-841)lotuslantern.net@gmail.com | Ph: 032-937-7033 | Fax: 032-937-7034

PromotionAlong with our Templestay page, we have a user-friendly website in Korean, English, and Russian. We also have social media presence on Facebook, Daum Cafand Tripadvisor.

PublicityThe center has been recognized in both English and Korean television, newspapers, and magazines. It has been featured on Arirang, SBS and the Buddhist Television Network. Dasarang Newspaper of Incheonand Chosun Ilbo have also written about the temple.

Social MediaLotuslantern.net | Facebook.com/lotuslanternimc | http://cafe.daum.net/Yeomhwamiso

Guest Reviews

“ ”Although I've visited many other temples in Korea, this was the only temple where I did a temple stay. My experience was positive overall. This temple was clean, and secluded, the monks spoke English well, and the food wasn't bad at all. From what I could find online, it seems like most temple stays are done at places where there are a lot more people. I would see signs for temple stays of more famous temples and I remember thinking that it wouldn't have been nearly as relaxing as at the secluded Lotus Lantern. - Larry O., USA (Sept 2014)

“ ”I would like to say thank you for all! Thank you for your hospitality. Thanks for the experience. Thanks for an awesome trip. Thanks for the long conversations about interesting things. Thanks for candy and for the sweet and tasty food. Thanks for the warmth of your place! I will recommend to visit this place to my friends! All the best! - Svetlana K., Russia (Nov 2014)

“ ”I had an amazing time here; my stay was everything I expected and more. Not only did I feel extremely welcomed by everyone there, but they provided us with plenty to do, including guided mediation, conversations with monks, tea time, walking meditation, working meditation (gardening), and creative meditation (script writing). I highly recommend this temple, if you're looking for an authentic, personable, and centering experience. ♥(Due to the time we spent getting there, I might recommend spending more than a weekend. However, please don't let that deter you from spending just a night or two.)- Jamie S., USA (March 2016)

Lotus Lantern International Meditation Center349-60 Ganghwadong-ro Gilsang-myeon Ganghwa-gun

Incheon, South Korea (417-841)lotuslantern.net@gmail.com | Ph: 032-937-7033 | Fax: 032-937-7034

Lotus Lantern InternationalMeditation Center

TemplestayFor the past ten years, our foreign monks have made Korean monastic life accessible to global visitors.

TemplestayGuests participate in structured activities geared toward gaining a close look into monastic life. 2 nights/ 3 days: 90,000 Won 1 night/ 2 days : 50,000 Won

Relaxation StayVisitors enjoy temple surroundings, meals, and rituals on their personal schedule. 40,000 Won per day

Templestay ExcursionA regular temple stay that includes a visit to the ancient sites of Ganghwa. 2 nights/ 3 days: 120,000 Won

Meditation RetreatSilence is observed throughout the retreat, allowing a devotion to formal practice. 3 nights/ 4 days 120,000 Won or 40,000 Won per day

Templestay (1 to 2 nights)

Day 1

2:00 p.m.: Arrival & Check-in 4:00 p.m.: Orientation 6:00 p.m.: Dinner 7:00 p.m.: Evening Chanting 7:20 p.m.: Lecture of Buddhism & Korean SeonMeditation 8:00 p.m.: Practice Sitting Meditation (20min) 9:00 p.m.: Sleep

Day 2

4:00 a.m.: Wake up 4:10 a.m.: Morning Chanting (108 prostrations) 5:30 a.m.: Sitting Meditation (20min) 6:30 a.m.: Breakfast 7:30 a.m.: Walking Meditation / team work 8:30 a.m.: Tea time and talk with guide monk 9.30 a.m.: Calligraphy

11:00 a.m.: Rice offering to the Buddha and Chanting 12:00 a.m.: Lunch 12:30 p.m.: Clean rooms & Check-out

While the host monk prepares tea, he also shares stories of monastery life, Buddhist philosophy and history. Guests can ponder the monk’s wisdom or ask questions and share their own views. This tradition goes back to the days, centuries ago, when sages contemplated nature and the principles of the universe over a cup of tea.

Using a fine paintbrush and fresh ink, participants get to experience a tradition of Korea. Writing the sutras in Korean, English, and Chinese brings life to them on a scroll of handmade paper. All monks recite the sutras during offerings to the Buddha.

Preparing for sitting meditation takes some work. Taking a walk through nature’s path, brings inspiration and calmness of mind to prepare for intensive meditation.

Daily Schedule04 : 00 Pre-dawn Chanting05 : 00 Sitting Meditation06 : 00 Rest06 : 30 Breakfast07 : 30 Clean Room08 : 00 Sitting Meditation10 : 30 Rest11 : 00 Midday Chanting12 : 00 Lunch14 : 00 Sitting Meditation16 : 00 Dharma Talk17 : 30 Dinner 19 : 00 Evening Chanting19 : 20 Sitting Meditation21 : 00 Sleep

Last Day04 : 00 Pre-dawn Chanting05 : 00 Sitting Meditation06 : 30 Breakfast07 : 30 Clean Room08 : 00 Sitting Meditation10 : 00 Closing Tea Ceremony11 : 00 Midday Chanting12 : 00 Lunch13 : 00 Check-out

Temple Stay Excursion (2 nights/ 3 days)

Day 1

2:00 p.m.: Arrival & Check-in 4:00 p.m.: Orientation 5:00 p.m.: Dinner 6:00 p.m.: Evening Chanting 7:20 p.m.: Lecture of Buddhism and Korean Seon Meditation 8:00 p.m.: Practice Sitting Meditation.(20min) 9:00 p.m.: Sleep

Day 2

4:00 a.m.: Wake up 4:10 a.m.: Morning Chanting5:00 a.m.: Sitting Meditation (20min) 6:30 a.m.: Breakfast 7:30 a.m.: Walking Meditation / team work 8:30 a.m.: Tea time and talk with the guide monk 9.30 a.m.: Calligraphy11:00 a.m.: Rice offering to the Buddha and Chanting 12:00 p.m.: Lunch 2:00 p.m.: Visit Jeongsusa (정수사)5:00 p.m.: Dinner6:00 p.m.: Evening Chanting6:20 p.m.: Practice Sitting Meditation (20 min) 9:00p.m.: Sleep

Day 3

4:00 a.m.: Wake up 4:10 a.m.: Morning Chanting5:00 a.m.: Sitting Meditation (20min) 6:30 a.m.: Breakfast 9:30 a.m.: Visit Baekryunsa (백련사) and Juksuksa (적석사)11:00 a.m.: Rice offering to the Buddha and Chanting 12:00 p.m.: Lunch12:30 p.m.: Clean rooms and check out

Meditation Retreat (3 nights/ 4 days)

First Day11 : 00 Check-in12 : 00 Lunch14 : 00 Introduction Practice15 : 00 Beginning Sitting16 : 00 Walking Meditation17 : 30 Dinner19 : 00 Evening Chanting19 : 20 Sitting Meditation21 : 00 Sleep