Bongseonsa, 'Dog Meditation Festival' on the 25th… Special Lecture by Professor Bae Cheol-hyun
Bongseonsa in Namyangju Expands Healing Programs for Pet Owners
Bongseonsa in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, will hold the '2025 Dog Meditation Festival' on October 25. This event, which will take place from 10 AM to 5 PM at the large lotus pond and within the temple grounds, is the second pet-friendly meditation event following last year.
Hosted by the Namyangju Buddhist Association and organized by Bongseonsa, this festival is sponsored by Gyeonggi Province, Namyangju City, Bonomong, and Me & Pet. Mind Design is responsible for planning and operating the event.
Part of the Jogye Order's 'National Happiness Project'… Aiming for Popularization of Meditation
This festival is part of the 'National Happiness (Healing) Project' promoted by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, extending the 'Meditation' program. Meditation is a healing program that combines traditional Buddhist Zen with modern meditation science, aimed at relieving stress and enhancing mental health for the general public.
Bongseonsa explained that with the era of 15 million pet owners, the need for meditation programs that pet owners and their dogs can participate in together is increasing.
Professor Bae Cheol-hyun from Harvard University to Lecture on 'Life-Centered' Philosophy
A special lecture by Bae Cheol-hyun, CEO of The Cora, is scheduled for 3 PM that day. Professor Bae, who earned a Ph.D. in Classical Literature from Harvard University, will discuss the philosophy of coexistence with pets under the theme 'From Human-Centered to Life-Centered'.
He is expected to present humanistic healing methods for the pet loss syndrome experienced after losing a pet, drawing attention. This lecture is organized in connection with the corporate campaign of sponsor Me & Pet.
Walking Meditation Guided by Monk Hosan… Dog Yoga Experience Also Available
Immediately after the opening ceremony at 11 AM, a 'Mindfulness Walking Meditation with Dogs' led by Monk Hosan, the head of Bongseonsa, will take place. Participants will walk around the large lotus pond, focusing on their dog's breathing and movements during the meditation.
At 2:30 PM, 'Dog Yoga Therapy' led by Yoon Jeong-won, president of the Korean Dog Yoga Association, will be held at the Mireuksan Hall of Bongseonsa. This program allows pet owners and their dogs to perform yoga poses together and share interactions.
Comedian MC Dingdong Hosts Sports Day… 35 Experience Booths Also Available
Starting at 1 PM, a pet sports day and recreation hosted by comedian MC Dingdong will unfold. It will consist of various games and events involving pets.
A total of 35 booths will be set up within the Bongseonsa grounds. Various booths will operate, from pet product sales to Buddhist cultural experiences and local specialty markets. Practical services such as pet health check-ups and behavioral correction consultations will also be provided.
Successful First Event Last Year… This Year’s Programs Significantly Expanded
Bongseonsa reported that last year's first event received a great response, with over 500 pet owners from the metropolitan area participating in meditation and yoga programs.
This year, the variety of programs has increased, and the experience booths have also expanded. In particular, there are plans to enhance the quality of expert lectures and experience programs to provide participants with a richer experience.
A representative from the Namyangju Buddhist Association stated, 'In an era where pets are recognized as family members, the Buddhist community is also attempting new forms of outreach activities,' and added, 'We hope this will be an opportunity to improve the quality of life for both pet owners and their pets through meditation.'
Pre-registration Recommended, Basic Pet Etiquette Required
Participation in the event is free. However, to ensure smooth proceedings, pre-registration through the Bongseonsa website or by phone is recommended. When bringing dogs, wearing a leash is mandatory, and basic pet etiquette such as bringing waste bags is required.
Parking space is limited, so public transportation is encouraged. A shuttle bus will operate from Byeollae Byeolgaram Station on the Gyeongchun Line to Bongseonsa.
Written by/ Healing News Editor Oh Hye-sun
