Ven. Jihyun

By Kwaak Je-yup

Ven. Jihyun, a respected monk best known for his involvement with the templestay tourist program, was named the new deputy administrative director of the Jogye Order, the nation’s largest, Monday, after the members of the headquarters quit en masse Friday.

Ven. Jaseung, head of the Jogye Order, made the announcement and urged unity.

Other administrative positions are still vacant, after most of the leadership left their positions due to a recent gambling scandal.

Jihyun has long been considered by his peers and elders as a good fit for the appointment, given his record of service, political finesse and competence.

He was the director of the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism, the organization in charge of the popular templestay program, which opened up the religious practices to local non-believers and foreign tourists. It remains one of the most recommended activities for visitors to the country.

Jihyun also serves as the head of the Cheongryang Temple in Bonghwa, North Gyeongsang Province and has held various seats in the headquarters administration and councils. He was ordained officially as a monk at the Beomeo Temple in Busan.