International Seon(zen) Center, Seoul

Last Sunday, I drove a little over 50 km to reach the International Seon Center(국제선세터). As I understand, the International Seon Center aims to connect with foreigners and Koreans speaking English.

Scale Model of the Center

Last year, during our visit to Gangwa Island, had met a monk from the International Seon Center. A visit had been playing in my mind for the last many months. Considering the distance, I waited until I was alone in Korea! Though, until now, I have not yet visited the most important Buddhist temples in Korea, I have a huge fascination for the elegant temple architecture. I did read an observation somewhere that once you have been to a Korean Buddhist temple, you have visited all temples- a sly comment on the similarity in architecture of temples here.

I had been asked to reach by 12 noon so as to have lunch at the center and then attend the meditation experience as well as Dhamma talk. Feeling a tad too hesitant to go over and eat on my own, I went over to the office and someone there took me over to the Dining floor, all the while talking in English. These days, since I talk with all and sundry with my bad Korean, I find it a little odd talking in English with Koreans!!!

It is always a peasure getting to eat Korean food- so rare to find vegan options! I got to eat Jajang bap - Rice with Black Bean Sauce(자장밥). Quite delicious!

Having some free time I went around clicking pictures and reading a book I had brought along.

I met Ven. Bo-Kwan, the nun who is responsible for foreigners. After guiding us on the meditative method, we had to meditate for an hour!Was too tough for me. And tougher, not to feel too relaxed and fall asleep, after lunch!

After meditation, we had dhamma talk while sipping green tea! Teachings from the nun's teacher's discourses are read in English and then discussed.

It was quite an eventful Sunday afternoon!

Links:

Homepage: www.seoncenter.or.kr
Address: 
319-11, Sinjeong 6-dong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul 158-076


우158-076, 서울 양천구 신정6동 319-11


Phone: +82-2-2650-2241