A unique Templestay program offered participants a two-in-one experience, learning Buddhist English while immersing themselves in Buddhist culture.

The International Affairs Team of the Jogye Order’s Social Affairs Department, headed by Ven. Jingyeong, successfully hosted the 2025 YES! DHARMA 101 Buddhist English Program from July 19 to 20 at Bongnyeongsa Temple in Suwon. The initiative aims to train young Korean Buddhists to serve as global ambassadors of Korean Buddhism.

The theme of this year’s program was Learning Korean Buddhism in English. It was designed to help participants cultivate core Buddhist values while nurturing a new generation of youth leaders for the international promotion of Korean Buddhism.

A total of 16 young Buddhist participants joined the program. Many had a strong interest in translation work, international Dharma propagation, and global PR efforts for the Jogye Order.

On the first day, participants engaged in Buddhist vocabulary lessons focused on temple culture and doctrine, learned about temple etiquette, practiced Buddha Bowl meditation, and experienced the striking of the temple bell. The Buddhist English session was led by Ven. Minwoo, a professional Buddhist translator who holds a master’s degree in Korean-English translation and interpretation from Chung-Ang University.

The second day offered a fun and interactive review of the previous day's content through a quiz-style game. One of the most popular activities was making short videos in English where each group created entertaining content to help foreigners learn how to perform traditional bows. They also had a chance to experience Seon meditation and enjoyed conversation over tea with Ven. Deokje, Vide Director of the Department of Social Affairs.