THE EXPERIENCE

A place to practise.

Su Bong Zen Monastery, the Kwan Um School of Zen temple in Hong Kong, holds a three-month winter retreat (Kyol Che) at its retreat centre in Luk Wu on Lantau from 24 October 2026 to 24 January 2027. You can join for one week or more, arriving and leaving on Saturdays. It suits people who already practise in the Kwan Um school or have done Su Bong's introduction course, not first-time visitors. Email the monastery to ask about the teaching language and a place.

What you can practise

  • Korean Seon / Kwan Um Zen
  • sitting meditation
  • chanting
  • bowing
  • kong-an interviews
  • Anapanasati (theme week)
  • working Zen (theme week)

Where you will stay

At Hae Su Zen Center / Gak Su Temple in Luk Wu, Lantau (rooms and costs not described on the pages).

Time & commitment

One week minimum within the 24 Oct 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 Winter Kyol Che (arrive and leave on Saturdays). Guest teachers: Zen Master Bon Soeng leads 21–29 Nov at Hae Su; Chuan Wen Sunim JDPS 25 Dec – 9 Jan. Theme weeks: 'Zen and Anapanasati' 9–16 Jan 2027 and 'Working Zen' 16–24 Jan 2027 (these need a completed one-week Kyol Che). Separate 2–3-day weekend retreats (28–29 Nov, 25–27 Dec, 1–3 Jan, 23–24 Jan) are for members who have already done a seven-day retreat.

Published fees

No fixed fee for the winter retreat (donations for food, utilities and maintenance); members' weekend retreats HK$600 (two days) and HK$900 (three days).

As published by the host on the date of our latest source check. Fees change; confirm the current amount and what it includes in writing.

Joining from overseas

Overseas admission unconfirmed. Not open to walk-in beginners. You need to have completed Su Bong's Introduction to Zen Meditation Course, or to have practised at Su Bong or in the Kwan Um School of Zen for some time; Su Bong members get priority. The weekend short retreats are for members who have already done a seven-day retreat.

Ask about English. Confirm instruction, translation and orientation for your specific programme.

DETAILS TO CLARIFY

  • Not for beginners: you need Su Bong's introduction course or established Kwan Um practice, and the last 2026 introduction course has closed.
  • The teaching language is not stated; confirm by email.
  • No fixed fee for the winter retreat; weekend retreats for members cost HK$600-900.
  • Room arrangements and nationality rules are not described.

Start a useful conversation.

Include your dates, nationality, language and previous experience when contacting the host.

  • Are you accepting overseas participants for my intended dates, and what is the full required length of stay?
  • Which sessions have English instruction or translation?
  • Where exactly will I sleep, and what are the room-sharing and meal arrangements?
  • What is the full daily schedule, total cost and cancellation policy?

THE EVIDENCE BEHIND THIS ENTRY

Read the original sources.

Latest source check · . The sources describe a residential programme; they do not confirm a place for your dates.

  • Hae Su Zen Center Winter Retreat 2026/27 Host / organiser · Programme / report date: 2026-10-24/2027-01-24Source checked ·

    24/10/2026–24/01/2027 at Hae Su Zen Center, Luk Wu, Lantau; minimum stay one week (7 days), arrive/depart Saturdays; registration required, 'Spaces are limited'; applicants must have completed the Introduction to Zen Meditation Course at Su Bong or practised at Su Bong or Kwan Um School of Zen for some time, members get priority; no fixed fee, 'We welcome your generous support for food, utilities, and maintenance'; apply by emailing form to info@subong.org.hk.

  • 2026/27 Hae Su Zen Center Winter Kyol Che Weekend Short Retreat Host / organiser · Programme / report date: 2026-11-28/2027-01-24Source checked ·

    Weekend retreats for members who have done a seven-day retreat: Nov 28–29 ZMSS Memorial 2-Day $600 (led by Zen Master Soeng Hyang), Dec 25–27 3-Day $900, Jan 1–3 3-Day $900, Jan 23–24 Completion 2-Day $600; register via WhatsApp channel.

  • Gak Su Temple Host / organiserSource checked ·

    Gak Su Temple International Zen Center in Luk Wu (Deer Pond), Lantau; retreats held since 1997 for monastics, haengjas and laypeople; facilities for retreat participants 'from all over the world'; Temple Stay Program for Su Bong precept students; visits by appointment through Su Bong.

  • Introduction to Zen Meditation Course (Sep 2026) Host / organiser · Programme / report date: 2026-09-03/2026-09-27Source checked ·

    Prerequisite course: four Thursday evenings 3–24 Sep 2026 in Causeway Bay plus a one-day retreat 27 Sep 2026 at Hae Su; '$1,200' full support / '$1,000'; completion makes students eligible for the Winter Retreat; registration closed and called the final Introduction course of 2026; language not stated.

  • Contact Us Host / organiserSource checked ·

    Su Bong Zen Monastery, 5/F, Starlight House, 32 Leighton Rd., Causeway Bay, Hong Kong; Tel (852) 2891-9315.

We have not visited or inspected this programme. Our summaries distinguish provider claims, historical notices and independent accounts. Read our research method.