Beomeosa Temple on Geumjeongsan Mountain in Busan is hosting firefly-lit walking meditation sessions for the public as part of the 2026 Beomeo Festival. After the opening lighting ceremony on 23 October, the temple grounds will be open for walking meditation every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening until 22 November, from 5.30pm to 8.30pm, with firefly-like lights illuminating the route. The event is hosted and organised by Beomeosa Temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.
On late-autumn evenings, when the sun sets early, visitors can take a slow walk along the temple paths after work or at the weekend. Those unfamiliar with seated meditation can begin by bringing their attention to each step.
An evening route through four gates, from Dongsan Park to the courtyard in front of Daeungjeon Hall
The route starts at Dongsan Park, by the entrance to Daeseongam Hermitage within the temple grounds, then passes through Jogye Gate, Cheonwang Gate and Burimun Gate before reaching the courtyard in front of Daeungjeon Hall. Passing through the temple gates one by one marks a transition from the bustle outside to the quiet within. Firefly-like lights along the path softly illuminate the forest and temple buildings.
In its announcement, Beomeosa said it hoped both members of the public and Buddhists would take part. The announcement gives no separate application process or participation fee. For further information, contact the Beomeosa temple office on 051-508-3122.
Opening day features circumambulation of the three-storey stone pagoda and singing bowl meditation
The opening lighting ceremony, held at Dongsan Park at 5.30pm on 23 October, featured the lighting of the firefly-like lamps and a group walk. The opening route continued past the courtyard in front of Daeungjeon Hall to a circumambulation of the three-storey stone pagoda, and was set to conclude with singing bowl meditation and a closing dedication. Walking, circumambulation and sound meditation were combined in one sequence.
Circumambulating a pagoda is an ancient Buddhist practice of walking around it while focusing the mind. Its simple, repeated movement can help quiet the mind, making it a natural companion to walking meditation.
Why walking meditation can be a good way to begin
In daily life, with information and stimuli coming in without pause, it can be difficult for beginners to sit still for a long time and observe their breathing. Walking meditation involves moving the body while turning one's attention to the feeling of the soles of the feet, the breath and the sounds around them, making it a relatively accessible starting point for newcomers. The darkening forest path and the stillness of the temple provide a fitting backdrop for sustaining that attention.
The significance of Beomeosa's initiative lies in opening up the temple's setting and traditions of practice to the public as part of their evening. For those who find walking meditation suits them, it offers a way to begin by visiting each week for a month. Beomeosa Temple is at 250 Beomeosa-ro, Geumjeong-gu, Busan.
Article enquiries: fare3041@naver.com