On an afternoon in April when warm sunlight seeps in, people begin to walk slowly among the forests of fir and cypress. Parents holding their children’s hands, Buddhists walking side by side with fellow practitioners, and citizens stepping forward with hearts that are not light, even though they walk alone. In every single step, there is a small prayer toward the life of someone unknown—along with a wish for one’s own well-being.
Now in its 18th year, the “Creating a World of Hope, 18th Life Sharing Meditation Walking Event” will be held on April 25 in the area of Busan Choeup Children’s Grand Park.
Meditation Walking at Busan Choeup Children’s Grand Park, a Healing Forest in the City
Hosted by (non-profit) Life Sharing Practice Busan Regional Headquarters (Head: Venerable Simsan), this walking event takes place from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on April 25, across the outdoor plaza at the Busan Students’ Education and Culture Center and the riverside park area within Busan Choeup Children’s Grand Park.
Busan Choeup Children’s Grand Park is an urban green space located at the foot of Mt. Baegyang. Here, a healing forest densely planted with cedars and cypress trees, and the Seongjigok Reservoir—designated as a national cultural heritage site—creates a place that has long been loved as a rest area for citizens in every season. Meditation while walking here is not just a simple stroll; it becomes a time to fully receive the comfort that nature offers.
The Noble Meaning of Organ Donation and Respect for Life, and 18 Years of Practice
What makes this walking event special is that it carries meaning far beyond simply “walking.” The starting point of the event is improving awareness of organ donation and expanding a culture that respects life.
For 18 years, Life Sharing Practice Busan Regional Headquarters has been holding this gathering. By unpacking the heavy topic of organ donation as a “festival to walk together,” they opened a door for anyone in the community to join with ease. At the previous 17th event as well, about 400 citizens who had pre-registered and Buddhists walked together along forest paths and shared the precious value of life.
A Full Day Program from Before the Walk to After
The event opens with a variety of experience booths from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Participants can take part in cultural experience programs such as making life sprouts, making natural soap, natural face painting, and free health consultations. In particular, onsite there are booths for registering as an organ donation hopeful and for submitting an advance directive for life-sustaining treatment. In the very moment when your heart moves, you can take your first step toward life sharing right away.
The opening ceremony, starting at 2:00 PM, begins with welcoming remarks from Venerable Simsan. This is followed by a wheelchair donation ceremony for neighbors who are isolated. A meditation demonstration of Bulmu-do (Buddhist Martial Arts), which expresses the value of life sharing through the body, gathers the participants’ minds as one. After completing the group warm-up exercises together, the meditation walking—slowly walking around the circular road of Children’s Grand Park and the riverside park area—begins in earnest.
A Path Where My Steps Become Someone Else’s Life
Walking is the oldest form of meditation. Simply slowing down and paying attention to the sensations of your soles touching the ground allows scattered thoughts to come together little by little. And when you add the meaning of “sharing life,” each step becomes not just movement, but a compassionate practice.
A representative from Life Sharing Practice Busan said, “We hope many people will show interest and join this walking event, where you can take care of your health while walking with your family and fellow practitioners, and reflect on the meaning of life sharing.”
Benefits Provided to the First 400 People on a First-Come, First-Served Basis
Anyone who is a Busan resident or a member of the Life Sharing Practice Headquarters can participate in this event. Among pre-registered applicants, the first 400 people on a first-come, first-served basis will receive specified benefits. If you’ve been worn down by busy daily life and wanted to go far away somewhere, how about spending this weekend walking along forest paths in the city and letting your mind rest?
Date and Time: Saturday, April 25, 2026, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: Outdoor plaza at the Busan Students’ Education and Culture Center within Busan Choeup Children’s Grand Park and the riverside park area
Eligibility: Anyone who is a Busan resident or a member of the Life Sharing Practice Headquarters
Registration and Inquiries: 051-853-0429 (by phone or text message)