About Bulkwang Zen Center

Bulkwang Zen Center is a Korean Buddhist temple dedicated to Buddhist practice, spiritual guidance, and Korean cultural education in the local community. Since its founding, the center has supported generations of practitioners through regular Dharma services, prayer ceremonies, meditation, and community activities. The current main Dharma Hall was completed in 2009 and enshrines the Medicine Buddha as the principal Buddha, accompanied by Avalokiteshvara and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattvas. The center also serves Korean-American families and local residents through youth programs, cultural education, and a Korean Culture School.

Today, Bulkwang Zen Center continues to provide a welcoming place for practice, learning, and community.

Sunday Dharma Service

Every Sunday: 11AM

Our Sunday Dharma Service is open to adult practitioners and visitors. The program includes the Korean Thousand Hands Sutra, chanting of the Medicine Buddha, a choir performance, and a Dharma talk by our resident guiding monk.

Rather than focusing on difficult or highly classical interpretations of Buddhist texts, the Dharma talks connect Buddhist teachings with contemporary social issues, everyday life, and scientific perspectives, making them practical and accessible to modern audiences.

History

1996 — Purchased and renovated the building that became the original Gwaneumjeon Hall; the official opening ceremony was held on October 13.

1997–2000 — Hosted major Dharma assemblies with prominent Buddhist teachers, including Ven. Hyein, Ven. Hyeam, Ven. Cheonghwa, Ven. Hyegeo, Ven. Hyeon Gak, and Ven. Beopjeong.

2001 — The site plan for a new Dharma Hall was approved; a 1,000-day Ksitigarbha prayer was begun in remembrance of the victims of the September 11.

2002 — Hosted Dharma assemblies with Ven. Subul and Ven. Beopjeong.

2004 — Completed the 1,000-day Ksitigarbha prayer.

2008 — Received construction approval and began building the new Dharma Hall.

2009 — Opened the new Main Dharma Hall with a grand Dharma assembly led by Ven.

2011 — Designated by the Jogye Order as a special overseas district in the eastern United States.

2016 — Completed the temple bell and bell pavilion project and held the inaugural bell-ringing ceremony.

Directions

Address: 104 Route 303, Tappan, NY 10983

T: +1-845-359-5151
Office Hours: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM EST

From the George Washington Bridge, take the Palisades Interstate Parkway and exit at Exit 5S. This will bring you directly onto Route 303 South.

Continue south on Route 303. You will pass Tappan Golf and then Chrysler Mopar Corp. on your right. The entrance to Bulkwang Zen Center will be immediately after that, with our sign visible from the road. The drive from Exit 5S takes less than one minute.

Free on-site parking is available.