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Korea Temple Stay: Bridging Technology, Arts, and Mindfulness

Korea Temple Stay
Location:
South Korea - Seoul, Yangyang, Yesan-gun, Daejeon
Term:
Maymester/Summer
Dates:
Mon, May 18 - Mon, Jun 1 2026
School/Department:
School of Applied and Creative Computing
Credits:
3 credits (TECH 38155)
Estimated Cost:
$2500

Program Description

This study abroad is an immersive two-week program combining visits to advanced computing and digital arts labs with a Zen temple stay in South Korea. Students in Computer Graphics Technology (CGT) and Computer and Information Technology (CNIT) will explore interdisciplinary identity, global creative practices, and mindfulness, fostering resilience, empathy, and readiness for cross-cultural technological collaboration.
The program reflects the interdisciplinary identity of the School of Applied and Creative Computing (SACC), uniting CGT and CNIT majors in a shared international experience. By engaging in cross-cultural, immersive opportunities, students cultivate awareness of each discipline and strengthen collaboration across fields.
South Korea provides an ideal context for this program. Students will gain direct exposure to advanced computing and digital arts through visits to world-class laboratories at institutions such as the Korean National University of Arts, as well as through informal collaborative workshops with computer science majors at Chungnam National University. Balanced with these high-tech visits, the temple stay immerses students in Zen philosophy, contemplative arts, and mindfulness practices. Together, these elements encourage reflection on how technology, art, and self-awareness can promote SACC’s interconnected identity.

Tentative Program Itinerary

  • Monday, May 18th- Depart U.S. for Incheon, South Korea
  • Tuesday, May 19th- Arrive in Incheon, Transport to Seoul
  • Wednesday, May 20th- Visit K-Arts
  • Thursday, May 21st - Friday, May 22nd- Sightseeing in Seoul: Jogyesa Temple, royal palaces, Insadong district; Bongeunsa Temple Stay, Activities: Meditation, chanting, cultural workshops
  • Saturday, May 23rd - Tuesday, May 26th- Transport to Gyeryongsan, Gapsa retreat, Activities: Extended mindfulness training, hiking in Gyeryongsan National Park, temple rituals, and balwoogongyang meals
  • Wednesday, May 27th- Transport to Daejeon, reflection time, evening sightseeing and dinner
  • Thursday, May 28th- Visit Chungnam National University, workshop and lunch with faculty and students, transport to Sudoksa
  • Friday, May 29th- Sudoksa morning temple stay, afternoon transport to Naksansa
  • Saturday, May 30th- Naksansa Temple Stay
  • Sunday, May 31st- Closing reflections by seaside Buddha, evening transport to Incheon
  • Monday, June 1st- Breakfast meeting in small group sessions, program ends, transport to ICN airport for departure

Global Leaps Scholarships

Program flyer

Click here to apply

Contact program leader Cho Smith via email with your questions.