Chosun.com, November 27, 2006

South Korea -- Korea's temple stays, which introduce foreigners to the spirit and culture of Korean Buddhist temples, have drawn the attention of the international press. Catherine Price of the New York Times on Saturday reported on a temple stay, one of many that are steadily gaining popularity as a unique cultural commodity in Korea, at the Lotus Lantern International Meditation Center on Ganghwa Island.

Price gave details of her own experiences at the Lotus Lantern International Meditation Center on Ganghwa Island, and indicated that temple life can be very different and uncomfortable for outsiders at first. The benefits of the program come from detaching oneself from the grind of modern-day life and experiencing the charm that comes from practicing temperance.

The reporter was surprised at the diverse backgrounds of the participants in the program and said that the two days she spent learning about the lives of the monks were very rough but also unforgettable.

Kayte Lowri Pritchard, a 24-year-old from North Wales enjoyed her trips to the temples so much that she is now helping organize program visits for foreigners. "It's like having a big extended family. Everyone is so caring and kind." She said.