Korea: ‘Beautiful like a flower’ monk attracts youth to temple

Newspaper Korean Herald News of a young monk being called “beautiful as a flower” exploded social networks in Korea and temple tours sold out.

The free evening tour of the Hoa Nghiom Pagoda, located on Jirisan Mountain in South Jeolla Province, South Korea, was booked in just four hours. There are only 22 guests on this tour, selected on a first come, first served basis.

Hoa Nghiem Pagoda is the meditation place of monk Beomjeong. This young monk’s Instagram account with the nickname “kkot seunim” (flower monk) has over 23,000 followers, mainly young people between the ages of 20-30, and where Master Beomjeong talks about monastic life. Let’s share.

In Notes on Social Networks, Master Beomjeong explained the nickname “Kokot Seunim”: “A monk is a flower and should be a flower, one who spreads the deepest fragrance to others. That’s why I aspire to be a flower.” Am.”

In Korean, the word “flower” when used to describe a person, especially a young person, means “beautiful” or “delicate”.

During the tour, visitors to the Hoa Nghiem Pagoda will have a tea session with the “flower monk” Beomjeong.

Master Beomjeong’s popularity on Instagram is shared with Buddhism’s efforts to reach younger generations in Korea through the social network.

The Hoa Nghiem Pagoda hosts a number of activities to attract youth, including photography contests, yoga competitions, and music film shows.

according to page gangnamtimesHoa Nghiem Pagoda has also recently launched a vegetarian burger.

The “Hoa Nghiem Pagoda Burger” uses rice ingredients for the bun, the sandwich is made from soy protein as well as cheese, sauces and other ingredients of plant origin.

The temple plans to expand its market to New York City, the US or Southeast Asian markets in the first half of next year.