In an age where smartphone notifications never cease and chatbots converse like friends, technology has rapidly permeated our lives. However, an increasing number of people feel lost about where their hearts truly are. In 2026, as AI analyzes human emotions, Korean Buddhism is poised to utilize this technology to open a new chapter in 'mind care.'
Get Your Own Meditation Method Prescribed with AI Technology - New Program 'Mental Prescription'
The '2026 International Seon Meditation Summit' hosted by the Jogye Order is set to open on April 3 at Bongeun Cultural Center and the surrounding Bongeunsa Temple, now calling for participant registrations.
This year's main theme is 'Seon Meditation in the Age of AI.' It aims to shed light on the changing cognitive and emotional environment of humans amid the rapid advancement of AI technology, while exploring the role and potential of Seon meditation as a new solution for contemporary mental health issues.
What stands out the most is the debut of the 'Mental Prescription' program this year. This program utilizes AI technology to analyze individual mental states and propose corresponding meditation methods. Participants can diagnose their psychological state through a simple process and learn customized meditation methods and practical mind care techniques for daily life. This will serve as a welcoming starting point for those who have hesitated, unsure of what kind of meditation suits them best.
Hwadu Cards, Tea Meditation, Walking Meditation... An Interactive Experience Accessible to Everyone
The summit balances depth with accessibility. Following the opening ceremony, the Seon meditation forum will examine societal changes and mental health issues in the age of AI from various angles and propose a healing direction based on meditation.
To allow general participants to easily engage, various experiential programs such as hwadu cards, tea meditation, and walking meditation will be offered. This means that even those unfamiliar with Buddhism or meditation can enter without any pressure.
The related event '2026 Bongeunsa Seon Meditation Festival' will be held from April 4 to 5 at Bongeunsa Temple and Bongeun Cultural Center, featuring a variety of Seon meditation programs, sessions, and lectures. Participant registration will close on a first-come, first-served basis for each session, and some programs will also allow on-site registration.
Starting in Seoul and Expanding to 9 Cities Nationwide - A Journey of Meditation Continuing Until November
This summit is not a one-time event. Starting in Seoul, it will expand to 9 regions across the country and will continue sequentially from May to October, featuring diverse Seon meditation programs that reflect regional characteristics. The event will conclude with an international conference and closing ceremony on November 12.
From walking meditation along the Jeju coast to early morning seated meditation in the temples of Gangwon, and from tea meditation at temples in Busan — this journey allows the natural and spatial elements of each region to serve as the backdrop for meditation. It reflects the Jogye Order's commitment to sowing the seeds of Seon meditation across the country without remaining in one location.
The Jogye Order stated, "We hope that through the International Seon Meditation Summit, Seon meditation will spread as a practice accessible to the public, not confined to specific classes or spaces, allowing anyone to incorporate it into their daily lives."
Participant Registration Information
Anyone interested in Seon meditation and mental healing can join. The summit is open without any specific qualification criteria. More details and participant registration information can be found on the official website and Instagram.
Official website: seonmeditationsummit.kr
Participant registration: https://m.site.naver.com/23bB6
Instagram: @seon_meditation_summit
For inquiries: 010-8441-2371 (Weekdays 10 AM to 6 PM)
