KOREA: US journalists enjoy temple stay here

Journalists from 'USA Today' and the 'Los Angeles Times' tour South Korea as part of Johns Hopkins University's "International Reporting Project"

The Korea Times
Sunday, November 11, 2007

By Bae Ji-sook

Executives of media corporations in the United States visited Baekdam Temple in Inje, Gangwon Province, Saturday, to get a glimpse of Korean Buddhist culture.

Seventeen journalists from USA Today, the Los Angeles Times and others participated in the "Temple Stay" program, which includes a one-night stay in the temple.

The journalists participated in a tea-making ceremony, Buddhist meditation and consulted monks about the original style of Korean Buddhism. They had Buddhist meals in traditional bowls and rang the temple bells surrounded by the tinted autumn leaves of Mount Sorak.

The temple stay was a part of an exploration program designed for those at the "International Reporting Project" managed by Johns Hopkins University. It chooses one country per session to study and visit. The team will also visit government departments and meet civic group leaders during their 11-day stay in Korea.

Date Posted: 11/11/2007