Chu Seok Retreat

The ultimate purpose of Zen practice is to realize the true nature of life and death, and to find the correct direction for human life. Through this practice, you can get mental clarity and wisdom that will benefit your everyday life, and help others and society with compassion.

What you SHOULDN’T expect from this practice

Some people have wrong expectations and/or fantasies when they participate in Zen programs, and retreats. Please quickly review the following to see if they match your expectations of correct Zen.

Zen is not a ceremony based on blind faith; nor should it be considered a means to gain some merit.
Zen is not intellectual and/or philosophical entertainment. Zen practice does not help you to improve on such skills.
Zen programs are not an opportunity to have some fun away from work, socializing with others.
Zen is not a means to run away from life.
Zen is not a cure-all for serious mental health issues. We have seen lots of people participating in Zen retreats, hoping for their conditions to improve. If you already have mental health issues that require treatment, we are sorry to say that we do not recommend Zen as a treatment. For those who have had psychiatric treatments before, practicing Zen may even complicate their previous treatments.

Chu Seok Retreat

What is the Chu Seok Retreat?

Every year, during the Chuseok holiday, Musangsa holds the Chu Seok Zen meditation program for 2 to 4 days. This program is open to all, including those who have no experience in Zen meditation.

The one-day schedule for Chuseok retreat consists of 108 bows, sitting meditation, chanting meditation, kong An interview and working practice (working together). You will practice with Musangsa’s multinational monks, as well as Korean and foreign lay practitioners.

For those who have not yet participated in the Summer or Winter retreat, participating in the Chu Seok retreat can be a good experience for when they participate in a retreat in the future.

Chu Seok Retreat Information

2025 Chu Seok Retreat – October 4th (Sat) ~ October 7th (Tue)

Four-day Zen retreat is held at Musangsa in-person during the annual Chu Seok holidays. *All programs are in English (with Korean translation)

1. Entry

1st entry: October 3 (Fri), arrival between 1:00 – 4:00 PM. (optional sitting until 9:00 PM)
2nd entry: October 4 (Sat), arrival by 8:00 AM (Inexperienced participants must arrive by 7:30 AM)
3rd entry: October 5 (Sun), arrival between 1:00 – 2:00 PM

2. Orientation for the inexperienced participants:

October 4 (Sat), 8:00 AM &
October 5 (Sun), 2:30 PM

3. Exit: October 7 (Tue), 12:00 PM (after lunch)

4. Retreat fee:

₩250,000 (This fee is based on arrival on October 3rd or 4th and departure on October 7th. If you want to stay extra nights, an additional ₩50,000 per night will be charged.)
₩200,000 (for those who enter on October 5)

*During the Chuseok holidays, it is very difficult to purchase public transportation tickets such as trains and buses without prior reservation. If you plan to participate in the Chuseok Retreat, please make sure to reserve your tickets in advance.

Application