Korea Temple Stay: Bridging Technology, Arts, and Mindfulness
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
- Wednesday, June 9th- Depart U.S. for Incheon, South Korea
- Thursday, June 10th- Arrive in Seoul, Heunginjimun and Seoul City Wall evening walk
- Friday, June 11th- Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, and Secret Garden; Gwanghwamun area; evening Seoul cultural/music festival or performance
- Saturday, June 12th- National Museum of Korea → Urban Plant Hangang Bridge → Nodeul Island; Han River and contemporary urban culture
- Sunday, June 13th- Insadong and Ikseon-dong → Cheonggyecheon Stream → Myeongdong → Hongdae → Namsan Cable Car → N Seoul Tower sunset/night views
- Monday, June 14th- Travel by van toward Yangyang/Sokcho; Seorak Beach beginner surfing experience before hotel check-in; check in at DIAMER; local seafood dinner and East Sea evening walk
- Tuesday, June 15th- Day trip to Naksansa Temple and coastal cultural activities
- Wednesday, June 16th- Day trip to Seoraksan National Park and Sinheungsa Temple; hiking/nature and Buddhist cultural experience
- Thursday, June 17th- Travel to Daejeon; Chungnam National University peer engagement; Yuseong/Bongmyeong youth culture night and informal cultural exchange
- Friday, June 18th- CNU workshop bridging digital arts and advanced computing; evening Daejeon festival, concert, or Daejeon Arts Center performance
- Saturday, June 19th- Residential temple stay, Day 1: arrival/orientation and entry into monastic daily rhythm
- Sunday, June 20th- Residential temple stay, Day 2: seated/walking meditation, temple food practice, tea ceremony, and reflection
- Monday, June 21st- Residential temple stay, Day 3: continued meditation practice, monastic schedule, and guided reflection
- Tuesday, June 22nd- Residential temple stay, Day 4: final practice/reflection and completion of the Gongju temple-stay experience
- Wednesday, June 23rd- transport to ICN airport for departure OR transport to SKKU for Summer School
See program flyer.
Contact program leader Cho Smith via email with your questions.