How often do we eat slowly these days? We rush through breakfast, look at our smartphones during lunch, and eat dinner in front of the TV. A meal ends before we can truly savor the flavors of the food. Eating meditation, or Mindful Eating, is a meditation practice that awakens this forgotten sense.
On the last weekend of February, the Orca Project will present a special eating meditation program at Gangneung Seongyojang. This is not just an act of eating; it is a two-day journey that elevates the act of eating itself into a meditation.
The Serenity of a 300-Year-Old Hanok, A Night at Seongyojang
Gangneung Seongyojang is a space that retains the dignity of a noble family from the Joseon Dynasty. Under the low eaves of a hanok that has withstood 300 years, a special tranquility arrives as winter's sun begins to set. It is a place where one can escape the noise of modern life and truly face oneself. Here, from February 28 to March 1, 2026, a meditation stay will unfold, bidding farewell to winter and welcoming spring.
A night spent in the warm embrace of a hanok is healing in itself. Sitting in front of a candle, focusing on breathing, and experiencing deep sleep in a serene space. The next morning, one can feel a heart ready to welcome the new season. A moment of meditation starting with a cup of tea.
The program begins with tea meditation. With a warm cup of tea in front of you, you take in its aroma, feel its warmth, and savor it slowly. It is a moment of realization that a cup of tea, often consumed mindlessly in daily life, can become such a delicate experience.
The following eating meditation is the highlight of this program. The menu, prepared as lacto-vegetarian, consists of various vegetables, fermented vegetarian patties called tempeh, winter fruits, sourdough bread, and homemade herb butter. Participants will make their own sandwiches, fully experiencing the colors, textures, and aromas of each ingredient.
Mindful Eating, Why Is It Needed Now?
Eating meditation is not just a way of eating; it is a practice that changes one’s attitude toward life. By chewing slowly, savoring flavors, and observing the body’s reactions, we learn how to stay in 'the present moment.' We gain the wisdom to eat only as much as our bodies need, avoiding overeating or binge eating.
The reason the Orca Project's program is special is that it does not stop at eating meditation. Through writing meditation, we organize our thoughts, through light meditation, we look within, and we conclude the day with relaxing meditation before sleep. Each meditation connects with the others, creating a profound healing experience.
A Ceremony to Welcome Spring, A Gift for Myself
The last day of February is symbolic. It marks the boundary between the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It is a time to reflect on the past season and prepare for a new beginning. Spending this special time with meditation holds more meaning than simply participating in a program. It is a gift to oneself and a ceremony to welcome the new season.
It’s okay if this is your first time meditating. A calm guide will be with you, allowing you to proceed at your own pace. For those who have found it difficult to meditate alone, for those who have postponed time for themselves, and for those who want to start spring with a clear mind, this is recommended.
The scent of the sea in Gangneung, the tranquility of the hanok, and the time to focus entirely on oneself. All of this combined in a two-day, one-night experience will surely remain a special memory.
[Program Information]
Date: February 28, 2026 (Saturday) - March 1, 2026 (Sunday)
Location: Gangneung Seongyojang
Contact: Orca Project Instagram @orcaproject2022
*Confirmed upon registration of 8 or more participants