Munmak Center
Overview
Munmak center is tucked away in the mountains west of Seoul, in Kangwondo province.The land was hand-picked by the GiCheon Grand Master Mr. Lee-Sang Won. Then the buildings at the center had been built up by many volunteering GiCheon students. Since November in 1997, it has been operated to meet the special needs of supporting visitors with more harsh training in the nature as GiCheon was originated from the mountain. At the base of the camp is a fresh water stream, which is good - there¡¯s no running water for a faucet or electricity here. Only a generator is turned on to heat the bungalow floors during cold nights. And the floor ¡°Ondol¡± of Hwangto-bang which is a Korean traditional house, is heated by the firewood under the floor, as is the usual way to heat a traditional Korean home. Its peaceful nature and quiet environment will bring visitors a comfort and relief from their stress.
Facilities
There are one training studio, five private bungalows, Hwangto-bang (a Traditional Korean house), Outdoor training fields, Korean traditional cultural works such as JahngSeung (a Korean totem pole at the village entrance), SottDae (a pole signifying prayer for good harvest) and DolTahp (stone pagoda), etc.
Korean Traditional Cultural works
JangSeung / SottDae / DolTahp / Kimchi-Dohk / Big Drum
Programs
There are two sorts of regular program: a commercial arrangement, and one seasonal event for experiencing Korean cultures.
What to bring
Clothing
1. One or two sets of exercising clothes. (Should be loose fitting without advertising and
a subdued color.)
2. Sandals and sneakers or sport shoes
3. Short pants in case we practice GiCheon in the stream.
5. Socks and long trousers are required for wear during staying at the retreat.
6. A Sweater or heavy shirt in case it gets cold at night (it would also be good to have a
heavy pair of socks)
7. During the periods of cold weather, a couple of pairs of heavy socks are
recommended.
Flashlight
Toiletries (Toothbrush, Soap, Towel) but No Shampoo!
Be considerate
Timeliness
Please be on time for all events. The retreat schedule will be placed on a bulletin board by the entrance to the main training studio.
Environemnt
Do not use shampoo at the stream. Use only soap. And you don¡¯t spit it out to the stream but to the weeds when brushing your teeth in the stream.
How to get to the Center
There are three ways to Munmak center like the following ; The Express bus, GiCheon shuttle van and a private car. The center is located about two kilometers away from the national road, and it is not easy to find in the dark. So, please call us in advance.
From Seoul
By the Eastbound Express Bus at Seoul Express Bus Terminal
It is conveniently located on subway # 3 line, you get the bus headed to Wonju-city, Kangwondo province and then ask the bus driver to let you off at Munmak bus station. Before you leave, you have to notify us what time of bus you are on.
By Shuttle van at GiCheon Seoul center;
We drive a van from GiCheon Seoul center to Munmak center once in a while. We will help you with coming together if you give us a prior notice through e-mail or phone. The Seoul center is within ten minute walking distance away from Seolleung station, subway #2 line.
By Car
You should take the Eastbound Youngdong express way and get out of Munmak Toll gate. It will take about one and half an hour or less to get there from Seoul without any traffic jam. You must follow the enclosed map to avoid getting lost. The road signs are not optimally placed and difficult to see.
From Wonju-city, Kangwondo province By ¡°53¡± Bus
The 53 bus runs from Wonju-city to Munmak through Wonju Campus,Yonsei University. The time table is as belows;
The 53 bus schedule
Inbound Outbound
Stop
Time
Taking the 53 bus, get off at ¡°Bang-Ah-Sil¡±village close to Wonju-cemetry & Kwiwoon Reservoir then walk along the winding dirt road about two kilometers past a quarry and through several stream beds.