[OPEN]
Ordinary: am11:00~pm4:00
Sat: am11:00~pm2:00

[CLOSE]
Sunday & holiday
Lunar 1, 15

1. Buddhist English Library of Seoul (BELS)

BELS was founded by Venerable Chung Ah Snim on May 20th, 2007. BELS plans to contribute on globalizing Korean Buddhism with the International Meditation Centers of Songhwasa, Hwagyesa and Lotus Lantern. BELS's purpose is to connect global Buddhists with fellow Buddhists in Korea. BELS features over 1,600 Buddhist books in English and provides a place to gather for foreign Buddhist monks who have renunicated in Korea and/or other global Buddhists. BELS wishes to provide an opportunity and a place where the global Buddhists can connect with Korean Buddhists in a continuous, dependable, and independent manner.

Institute of Buddhist English Studies (IBES)

Institute of Buddhist English Studies (IBES) is an institution focusing on developing Buddhist Educational Books in English, publishing Korean-English Buddhist dictionaries and translation and interpretation of Buddhism related publications.

2. English Buddhist Programs

BELS offers various programs in English requested by the foreign Buddhist monks and other Buddhists. BELS's programs are offered on a complimentary basis and donations are welcomed and appreciated. Some of BELS programs are aired on BTN(Buddhist Television Network) TV with Korean captions to share valuable knowledge with additional Buddhists. Visitors are welcome to watch some of the aired programs at BELS video archive room.

3. Buddhist English Books and Other Programs

BELS is the only independent Buddhist English Library in Korea. BELS features over 1,600 Buddhist books in English donated from the International Medication Centers of Songgwang-Sa, Hwagyesa, Jakwangsa and other supporters. BELS's collection features wide arrange of subjects on Buddhism and patrons are welcomed to read the books onsite or borrow them for a period of time. BELS plans to grow its collection of books and therefore, financial or book donations are appreciated. Any Buddhist groups or those who are interested in studying Buddhism are welcomed to contact the library for available times to use the facility and space on a complimentary basis.

4. Operations and Suggestions

BELS’s operation and financial support relies heavily on volunteers and donations. BELS is planning to purchase a traditional Korean style house in order to accommodate visiting monks from overseas. Your financial support is greatly appreciated.