No Contact Era? A Virtual Contact Event!

The travel content development event of the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism successfully completed. # Pit-A-Pat Templestay

In this era of no contact when social distancing is encouraged and we are all being advised to avoid close contact and crowded places, an event that adds variety to travel by connecting Templestay and social networking has been successfully completed. The Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism held a Templestay travel content development event titled “Pit-A-Pat Templestay” in two sessions from July 13 to August 31 based on online photo sharing through Instagram.

In this contest, each Instagrammer introduced a travel plan of their own design by connecting a Templestay temple and nearby attractions on their Instagram account using photos and videos. The idea was enthusiastically received.
In the first session, held from July 13 to August 3, 43 participants introduced 44 travel plans. With the theme “Pit-A-Pat! Travel Spots I Have Visited,” each Instagrammer introduced Templestay temples they had attended and nearby attractions. In the second session, held from August 7 to 31, each Instagrammer introduced Templestay temples and sites they plan to visit in the future with the theme “Pit-A-Pat! Travel Spots I Have Planned.” This event drew 31 participants with 36 travel plans.

The Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism screened the entries based on the number of “likes” each received and the novelty of the plan, and then selected 20 winners from both sessions. In the first session, Gwak Eun-bi won first place. She designed a great travel route around Gyeongju, starting with a Bulguksa Templestay, then to the Daereungwon Royal Tomb Complex, and lastly to Hwangnidan-gil Street. There were two second place winners. Lee Seung-mi planned a route beginning with a Bongeunsa Templestay, then to the KOEX Convention and Exhibition Center, and lastly to Garosu-gil Road. Choe Ji-yun planned a course beginning with a Naesosa Templestay, then to the following: Naebyeonsan National Park; the sea cave in Chaeseokgang Cliff, Dalgibong Observatory, and lastly to Steamed Bun at Seulji Café.

In the second session, Han Ji-hui won first place. Her itinerary included the following: paragliding, Yongmunsa Templestay in Yangpyeong, and Dumulmeori. Second place was again a tie. Shin Seon-ae planned a trip from Banyansa Templestay in Yeongdong, to Wolryu Peak, to Nogeun-ri Bridge, and lastly to Okgye Falls. Choe Jin-seok planned a trip from Jogyesa Templestay in Seoul, to Bukchon Hanok Village, and lastly to the Seoul City Wall.

On Sep. 24 the winners received their prizes at the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism’s Munsu Hall. Each of the two first place winners received 500,000 won and two gift certificates for a free Templestay. Each of the four second place winners received 300,000 won and two gift certificates for a free Templestay. Each of the six third place winners received 200,000 won and two gift certificates for a free Templestay.

At the awards ceremony Ven. Wongyeong, Director of the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism, praised the winners, saying, “I was amazed by the original thought and perspectives of many Instagrammers about Templestay,” and added, “We will strive further to become a Templestay program that grows closer to the people and fulfills their happiness.” Gwak Eun-bi, the first place winner in the first session, shared her feeling by saying, “My first Templestay was really refreshing. I was especially impressed with the practice of 108 prostrations and the temple food. My experience with the Main Buddha at dawn in Bulguksa Temple still deeply reverberates in my heart. I want to visit and experience more Templestay temples in Korea.”

You too should plan a trip to participate in a Templestay program at a temple of purity, have a direct encounter with nature, and interact with others. Begin by planning a virtual journey in this era of no contact.