Youth Buddhist Association of Korea


Invitation to the 6th Paramita International Youth Camp
Youth Getting Together! A Hopeful World!

Hello!

First, I want to send deep friendship and a sense of solidarity to you and your people.
I am the Chairman of the PARAMITA Youth Buddhists Association of Korea (PARAMITA), and Chairman of The 6th Paramita International Youth Camp. I’d like to introduce our Association and camp, and also invite you and young people from your country to the camp.

This Association was founded in May of 1995 by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, and since then, it has played a constructive role in bringing up young people. Our Association obtained recognition from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (09.1996), and joined and became an official member of the Association of Korean Youth Groups. Korean Buddhism, which has 1600 years of history and tradition, has developed unique culture and practicing methods. Our Association has handed down those traditions to the youth of today, and has arranged various activities for the purpose of contributing to the growth of the next generations.

The Paramita International Youth Camp, which is celebrating its 6th Anniversary this year, is one of the activities. For the first four years, the camps were focused on exchanges and cooperation only between Korean youth. From the 5th camp, we broadened its function, to an International camp, for exchanges, communication, and improvement of the friendship between international youth. Korean Buddhism has spread through very active propagation all over the world, and during the 2002 World Cup, it received a good response for the Temple Stay Program. Based on those experiences, we will prepare this camp to give young people of your country chances to experience unique Korean culture and practicing ways, and the chance to meet young Korean Buddhists.

We sincerely hope that the leaders and youth of your country could have a good relation with our country through joining this international camp.
We look forward to your positive response. At the same time, we will wait to see you and the youth of your country at camp.
May you be well and happy!


Best regards,
Venerable Won Taek,
Chairman of The 6th Paramita International Youth Camp
Chairman of PARAMITA-Youth Buddhists Association of Korea
The Plan for The 6th Paramita International Youth Camp

-The commemoration of the 7th Anniversary of the Foundation-

Theme: Youth Getting Together! A Hopeful World!
Duration: 7. 20(Sun) – 7.27(Sun), 2003.
Venue: Seoul, Korea
Gangwon Province, Korea
(Alps Resort, Ganseong-eup, Goseong-gun, Gangwon Province)
Participants: 1500 from 26 countries
Foreign participants - 100 from 25countries (4~5 from country)
Domestic participants - 125 from 25 districts
Eligibility: Age between 13 - 24
Sponsorship: the Ministry of Culture and Tourism,
The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism,
Jogye-sa Temple, Bongeun-sa Temple, Weoljeong-sa Temple,
Sinheung-sa Temple,
Bul-gyo Shinmun (weekly Buddhist newspaper),
Buddhist Broadcasting Channel (TV),
the Association of Korean Youth Groups
Host Organization: PARAMITA-Youth Buddhists Association of Korea
Major Activities: Religious Activities: meditation, making lotus lanterns
Sports Activities : golf, swimming, hiking, rafting
Traveling Activities: visiting Geonbong-sa Temple, Event Activities :
Opening and Closing ceremonies, united dharma meeting, dancing and singing contests, fireworks, time for group discussion, small group time, independent religious activities (during free time, dharma hall is always open)
Objectives: 1. Preparing a place for Buddhist dissemination through associating with other youth of a similar age
2. Inspiring faith through various religious activities
3. Satisfying the teenagers’ desire of working out through activities and experiences
4. Extending international insight and a sense of solidarity through exchanges with people from other countries
5. Raising future leaders for Korean Buddhism through the diverse programs of the camp
Responsibilities:
PARAMITA-Youth Buddhists Association of Korea is responsible for:
1 Participation fee for the camp, including the Temple Stay program
2. All expenses for Seoul tour paid
3. Accommodation, meals, and inland transportation
Participants are responsible for:
1. Round trip air ticket
2. National flag: to be used upon entrance.
3. National performance and traditional custom
(Time to prepare the performance will be given on first day)
4. Necessary personal gears
Outline of the Event for International Applicants :

1. Arrive in Korea: 2003. 7. 20 (Sun)
2. Temple Stay : 2003. 7. 21 – 7. 22 (Tue)
Weoljeong-sa Temple, Gangwon Province (subject to change)
3. Seoul Tour(or Home Stay) : 2003. 7. 25 (Fri) – 7. 27 (Sun)
Old palaces in Seoul and/or theme park (subject to change)
4. Main Event: 2003. 7. 22 (Tues) – 7. 25 (Fri)
Alps Resort in Gangwon Province(San 107, Heul-ri, Ganseong-eup, Goseong-gun Tel: (033) 681-5030 Fax: (033) 681-2788
5. Departure : 2003. 7. 27 (Sun)

July 20 Sun 21 Mon 22 Tue 23 Wed 24 Thu 25 Fri 26 Sat 27 Sun
Place Incheon Airport;Seminar Hall Temple in Gangwon Province Alps resort Alps resort Alps resort Alps resort; Seminar Hall in Seoul Seoul Seoul; Incheon Airport
Event Welcoming,Rest Temple Stay Temple Stay; Camp Camp Camp Camp; Seoul tour Seoul tour Farewell

What is Temple Stay?
Temple Stay was originally a program to experience temple life, for Internationals who are staying in Korea, or those visiting during the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup from May 20th to June 30th.
The participants of Temple Stay experience Buddhist daily life, starting with the early morning ceremony in temples, which have been spiritual refuges to Koreans for 1600 years, in person.
Through Temple Stay, which provides traditional and cultural programs for Internationals, you can easily experience temple culture and feel the beauty of Korean culture.










Inquary:
PARAMITA-Youth Buddhists Association of Korea
(110-140) the 3th floor Susong-dong 46-22, Jongro-gu,
Seoul, Korea

Deadline to apply: 2003. 6. 30

Reception desk:
Go- eun Lee Coordinator of International Missionary Work of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism:
Tel : + 82-2-732-9925~6 Fax : +82-2-720-7065 Email: ts2002@buddhism.or.kr
Main Activities of Camp

Religious Activities:
meditation, bowing 108 times, recitations, taking rubbings, making lotus lanterns
Afternoon Activities: golf, swimming, hiking, rafting
Traveling Activities: visiting Geonbong-sa Temple, protecting cultural assets
Event Activities: opening and closing ceremonies, united dharma meeting, dancing and singing contests, fireworks
Independent Activities: time for group discussion, small group time, independent religious activities (during free time, dharma hall is always open)