By Lee Kap-soo 

After the official closure of the 2023 Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree, German members who visited Beopjusa Temple in Songnisan, Boeun, Chungcheongbuk-do, reportedly shaved their heads.

According to Songnisan Beopjusa Temple on Aug. 14, about 40 German scout members experienced temple stay at Beopjusa Temple the previous day.

German members reportedly made a temple stay reservation at Beopjusa Temple in Songnisan Mountain in February. Monk Hye-woo, head of Neungin Cultural Center, was in charge of the experience event.

Monk Hye-woo explained the reason for hitting drums (beopgo) and bells (beomjong) at Beomjonggak. In the process, a German member said, "I want to ring a bell for children and teenagers in Ukraine who are at war with Russia." Beopjusa Temple gave the member a chance to hit the bell.

▲ German members of the 2023 World Scout Jamboree, who conducted temple stay experience activities at Beopjusa Temple in Songnisan Mountain, Boeun, are taking commemorative photos. /Courtesy of Beopjusa Temple

In a chat with the monk, the members also asked questions about the Buddhist priest, such as "What should I do to become a monk?"

According to a temple stay official, one member raised his hand and said, "I'm going to be a priest. Please cut my hair." In response, the monk replied, " You shouldn't shave your head for fun," adding, "You need to get consent from your parents in your country."

▲ 2023 World Scout Jamboree Papua New Guinea members are taking photos in front of the Papua New Guinea Embassy at Doosan We've Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul on August 13.

They were able to proceed with the shaved head ceremony with the consent of the leaders who came together. Eight of the members participated in the shaving ahead of their discharge, and it was conducted by Monk Gak-woon, the deputy governor of Beopjusa Temple. Monk Gakwoon presented them with hair and souvenirs.

An official from Beopjusa Temple Stay said, "It was a time when I felt enlightenment from the (German) members who think of their Ukrainian friends at war."