Danseok Library in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, will offer a meditation course for adults, “Healing Singing Bowl and Tea Meditation,” every Wednesday morning from Nov. 18 to Dec. 9. One of four courses in the second-half 2026 reading and culture program, it is free, but students must pay for materials.
Four Wednesdays of meditation over a cup of tea
The course consists of four sessions. On Nov. 18, participants will practice tea meditation focused on noticing the five senses; on Nov. 25, a self-compassion tea meditation called “Hands of Compassion”; on Dec. 2, an invitation-style tea meditation expressing gratitude; and on Dec. 9, an invitation-style tea meditation for healing. Each tea meditation session will be followed by a singing bowl healing meditation. The course uses bodily sensations—the aroma and warmth of tea and the resonance of singing bowls—as a starting point for meditation.
Six spots; bring a yoga mat and blanket
Classes will run from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the children’s reading room inside the second-floor stacks at Danseok Library. Enrollment is limited to six adults, with four people placed on a waitlist. Participants should bring personal items to keep warm, such as a yoga mat, blanket or cushion. The materials fee is 40,000 won (10,000 won per session) and covers tea, teacups, a tea tray, traditional sweets and use of singing bowls. Payment is made directly to the instructor. Bank account details will be sent by text message later.
What makes meditating at a library different?
A neighborhood library is a place anyone can visit without feeling any pressure. Even people who have felt intimidated by meditation centers can try meditation for the first time while stopping by to borrow a book. If closing your eyes and letting go of your thoughts feels difficult, holding a teacup and listening to the sounds around you can be a good place to start. As part of the same program, Danseok Library is also offering a course for adults on making personalized accessories with light and color, as well as classes for elementary school students on Silla history and aromatherapy-based zero waste.
Registration open until 6 p.m. on Nov. 13; first come, first served
Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis for each course through the Cultural Courses Information and Registration section of the Reading and Cultural Events menu on the Gyeongju Municipal Library website. Registration runs from 10 a.m. on Nov. 3 to 6 p.m. on Nov. 13. For more information, contact Danseok Library at 054-779-8916 or 054-779-8919.
Article inquiries: fare3041@naver.com