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2026 · Woljeongsa Summer Retreat

SEON;
In Full Bloom
of Light

빛이 만개하는 선(禪)의 여름 — A Journey for Global Leaders

July 13–19, 2026 6 Nights · 7 Days
Odaesan, Korea Woljeongsa Temple
Ages 18–24 40 Participants
Apply Now — Free Discover the Retreat
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Application Deadline: April 15, 2026 · 11:59 PM PDT · Participation is Free (Parts of Airfare Supported for International Participants) · Korea · USA · Europe

Woljeongsa Temple fir forest path
Why This Retreat

A pause in the
noise of the world.

"Modern youth carry invisible weights — anxiety, disconnection, the pressure of an uncertain future. This retreat exists to help you put them down."

Nestled in the ancient fir forests of Odaesan, Woljeongsa Temple has been a place of deep stillness for over 1,400 years. Here, within seven transformative days, you will reconnect with your breath, your body, and your sense of purpose — alongside peers from Korea, the United States, and Europe.

This is not a tour. This is not a conference. This is a lived experience of Seon — the Korean tradition of meditation that begins with simply sitting, watching, and listening.

7
Days of Immersion
40
Global Participants
3
Nations Together
1,400+
Years of Temple History
The Experience

Four pillars of
transformation

Each day of the retreat is woven around four core dimensions of experience. Together they form a complete arc — from inner stillness to outward connection, from ancient heritage to modern vision. You will leave changed.

🌿
Inner Peace

Meditation & Stillness

Singing bowl meditation, walking meditation through the fir forest, seated Seon practice, yoga at dawn, and evening bell ceremonies. No experience required — only willingness.

🌊
Nature's Breath

Forest & Sea

The thousand-year fir forest of Odaesan. The open sea of Gangneung. Natural meditation in settings that dwarf and humble, where the rhythm of your breath begins to match the world around you.

🏮
Heritage & Harmony

Culture & Tradition

Eat in silence with monks using centuries-old bowl sets. Craft prayer beads. Visit royal archives preserved since the Joseon Dynasty. From Gyeongbokgung to the Joseonsillok Museum.

🌐
Global Connection

Community & Vision

Team workshops, shared meals, Seoul's social innovation valley, and a final presentation of what you've discovered. The relationships you build here will outlast the retreat.

Seven Days

The journey,
day by day

Hover or tap each day to reveal activities. Schedule is subject to change based on conditions on the ground. All meals and lodging are included within the program.
01 Jul 13
📍 Woljeongsa, Pyeongchang
Arrival & The First Breath
Arrive at Woljeongsa Temple and settle in. Orientation and introductions in the evening — sharing names, origins, and why you came. Followed by a gentle singing bowl session to ease into the space.
Singing Bowl Team Intro Orientation
02 Jul 14
📍 Woljeongsa, Odaesan
The Forest & The Monk
Walking meditation along the 1km needle-fir forest path at dawn. Tea ceremony with a resident monk. Traditional Baru-gongyang (bowl meal). Evening hike on the Seonjae-gil trail. Seated meditation and vespers bell.
Forest Walk Tea Ceremony Baru-gongyang
03 Jul 15
📍 Woljeongsa, Odaesan
Deepening Stillness
Dawn yoga meditation. Meditation seminar on the philosophy of Seon. Woljeongsa Sacred Museum visit. Prayer-bead making workshop. Extended seated meditation practice in the evening.
Yoga Seon Seminar Prayer Beads
04 Jul 16
📍 Gangneung
The Sea Opens
Travel to Gangneung. Explore Jungang Traditional Market and share a local lunch. Afternoon open-sea meditation on the coast — barefoot, with the waves. Visit to local artisan spaces.
Sea Meditation Local Culture Market
05 Jul 17
📍 Pyeongchang → Seoul
From Valley to City
Morning local cooperation program in Pyeongchang. Travel to Seoul in the afternoon. Evening visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace and the National Museum — a meeting with 600 years of Korean history.
Gyeongbokgung National Museum History
06 Jul 18
📍 Seoul (Seongsu)
Social Innovation & Reflection
Guided tour of the Seongsu Social Venture Valley — meet entrepreneurs building ESG-driven futures. Team exploration of Seoul. Evening closing ceremony: presentations and sharing of personal insights from the week.
ESG & Innovation Team Sharing Final Presentation
07 Jul 19
📍 Seoul
Departure & New Beginnings
Breakfast together. A final circle of gratitude. Individual departures. You leave carrying something that cannot be packed — a quieter mind, a wider perspective, and new friendships across the world.
Farewell Departure
Feel the Place

A thousand-year
fir forest awaits you

Woljeongsa Temple — Odaesan, Korea
▶ Watch on YouTube
"Situated at the foot of Odae Mountain, Woljeongsa is a serene temple offering a peaceful environment for meditation and tranquility within a thousand-year-old fir forest."
🌲

Walk beside the Odaecheon Stream and feel at one with nature as you listen to the calming sounds of flowing water.

🪔

Feel the warm smiles of Buddha and Bodhisattvas in hermitages filled with centuries of spiritual energy.

🧘

Gradually let go of all your pressures where nature and Buddhism meet — and reconnect with your authentic self.

오대산 월정사 Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province, Korea
Who Can Apply

Made for young
global minds

👤

Participants

  • Ages 18–24 (born after 2002)
  • Korean, American, or European nationals
  • Open to any background or belief
  • No meditation experience needed
40 spots total — 20 from Korea, 10 from the USA, 10 from Europe
💰

Costs & Support

  • International participants: parts of airfare supported
  • All meals & lodging included
  • Local transport within the program covered
Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea
🗓️

How to Apply

  • Deadline: April 15, 2026 · 11:59 PM PDT
  • Pre-camp orientation: Late June 2026
  • Camp dates: July 13–19, 2026
  • English & Korean both welcome
  • US participants: arrive in Korea by July 12
Selected participants notified individually by email
FAQ

Your
questions,
answered

Can't find what you're looking for? We're happy to help.

Contact us at

chloe.culturedots
@gmail.com

Not at all. This retreat is open to people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and none. While the program is hosted at a Buddhist temple and draws on Seon (Zen) traditions, the focus is on universal human experience — stillness, connection, and self-understanding. Many participants have no religious affiliation whatsoever.

The program runs bilingually in Korean and English. All key sessions, facilitation, and materials will be available in both languages. You do not need to speak Korean to fully participate and benefit from the experience.

At Woljeongsa, participants stay in the temple's residential quarters as part of the templestay experience. All meals are included — primarily Korean vegetarian temple food. In Seoul and Gangneung, accommodation is arranged at selected guesthouses or hotels. All food and lodging costs are covered within the program fee.

International participants are expected to arrive at Incheon International Airport (ICN). US participants should plan to arrive in Korea by July 12. From there, the program will arrange group transport to Woljeongsa. Parts of your round-trip airfare to Incheon are supported. The exact Seoul departure point for day 1 will be confirmed after selection.

Absolutely not — and in some ways, beginners often have the most profound experiences because they arrive without preconceptions. All meditation sessions are guided and designed to be accessible regardless of experience. The only thing you need to bring is openness.

Pack comfortable, modest clothing suitable for both outdoor activities (forest walks, sea meditation) and indoor temple settings. Loose-fitting, neutral-toned clothes work best. Avoid revealing or brightly patterned clothing for temple areas. Good walking shoes are essential. A detailed packing list will be sent to selected participants.

The retreat is hosted by Odaesan Woljeongsa Temple and organized by the Munsoo Youth Association (문수청소년회), with support from the Republic of Korea Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. International coordination is handled by Kulturedots (USA) and Danskerne (Europe).

Apply Now

Seven days that
change everything

Applications close on April 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM PDT. Selected participants will be notified by personal email. The program is free — with parts of airfare supported for international participants.

🗓️
Application Period
April 15, 2026 · 11:59 PM PDT
🏕️
Camp Dates
July 13–19, 2026
👤
Eligibility
Ages 18–24 · Korea / USA / Europe
✈️
US Participants
Arrive in Korea by July 12
Open Application Form →

You will be redirected to Google Forms. Selected participants are notified individually by email.

In the News

Past programs,
real stories

Woljeongsa's youth meditation programs have brought together young people from across East Asia and beyond. Here's what happened before — and why it matters for what comes next.

2026 Spring International Meditation Camp — Davidson College participants at Woljeongsa
2026 · Spring
World Youth Mental Health March 9–12, 2026

'World Youth Mental Health Meditation Camp' at Woljeongsa Successfully Concludes

The 2026 World Youth Mental Health Meditation Hub Spring International Camp concluded successfully at Odaesan Woljeongsa Temple. The program welcomed participants from Davidson College's Buddhist Community (USA) for a 4-day K-Meditation Exchange Program. Young people from the US and Korea gathered at Woljeongsa's historic grounds, engaging in guided sitting meditation, walking meditation through the fir forest, visits to hermitages, and cultural exchange sessions — leaving with a deepened appreciation for contemplative practice and Korean Buddhist heritage.

Covered by Dailian BBS Buddhist Broadcasting
2025 East Asian Youth Winter Meditation Camp at Woljeongsa
2025 · Winter
East Asian Youth December 2025

East Asian Youth Gather at Woljeongsa — Learning Peace Through Meditation

Young participants from Korea, Japan, China, and Vietnam assembled at Woljeongsa Temple for the 2025 East Asian Youth Winter Meditation Camp. Through shared meditation practice, cultural exchange, and dialogue sessions, participants explored how inner stillness can become a foundation for cross-cultural understanding and peace. Jointly organized by the Munsoo Youth Association and Gongam Manse, the program became a model for Buddhist-based international youth exchange across East Asia, drawing wide media attention.

Covered by BBS Buddhist Broadcasting Good Kyung News
2025 Woljeongsa Woodenfish Global Meditation Practice Program graduation ceremony
2025 · Summer
Woodenfish Global Program July 25, 2025

"Breath of Peace Echoes Through Odaesan" — Woljeongsa × Woodenfish Meditation Program Concludes

The 2025 Woljeongsa–Woodenfish Global Meditation Practice Program concluded with a graduation ceremony at Woljeongsa's main dharma hall. International participants from North America, Europe, and Asia donned traditional Buddhist robes alongside Korean monastics for the 67th cohort of the Chulga School. 63 graduates completed the immersive program combining rigorous meditation training with Buddhist monastic culture — offering a rare window into Korean Buddhist practice for a global audience. The ceremony was held on July 25, 2025 at Woljeongsa's Daebeobojeon Hall.

Covered by BBS Buddhist Broadcasting Beopbo Sinmun

Apply Free — July 13–19, 2026 Woljeongsa · Ages 18–24

Apply Now