Hwaeomsa Temple hosts humanities program featuring novelist Jeong Ji-a

Hwaeomsa Temple in Jirisan recently concluded its summer night humanities program, ‘Hwayamong’ (華夜夢), featuring a special session with acclaimed novelist Jeong Ji-a. The event, themed ‘Jirisan winds passing by, a cup of tea under the starlight,’ provided a platform for reflection on life, family, and community connections.

Jeong Ji-a, author of ‘Father’s Liberation Log,’ discussed how her literary works are deeply rooted in the lives and relationships of the people in her hometown of Gurye. She shared insights on shifting perspectives from social success to the value of human connections and the strength found in local communities. The program also included traditional musical performances, such as the Gurye Hyangje Julpungryu, to enhance the cultural experience.

Abbot Wooseok of Hwaeomsa emphasized that the teachings of Hwaeom involve different beings forming a single world through close relationships. The temple plans to expand ‘Hwayamong’ into a representative mountain temple humanities platform in South Korea.