Jogye

The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, commonly called the Jogye Order or Jogyejong, is the largest Buddhist organization in South Korea. It serves as the representative body for most Korean Buddhist temples and monastic communities and coordinates religious, educational, and cultural activities.

The order traces its roots to the Seon (Zen) and Gyo lineages that have long shaped Korean Buddhism, with roots in the Goryeo and Joseon periods. In the 20th century, Buddhist leaders sought a unified structure to organize monastic life and temple administration under one umbrella, culminating in the formation of the modern Jogye Order during the mid-20th century. It emerged as the primary organizational framework for Korean Buddhism after the division of earlier sectarian groups.

As a centralized organization, the Jogye Order is responsible for the ordination of monks and nuns, education, temple accreditation, and the administration of temples across the country. It operates monasteries, academies, pilgrimage programs, and social welfare and cultural programs; It maintains training programs for clergy; It publishes religious literature and supports temples with governance.

The headquarters is at Jogyesa Temple in Seoul, a central site for ceremonies and Buddhist festivals, including the annual Lotus Lantern Festival. The Jogye Order has played a significant role in the modernization and revival of Korean Buddhism since the early 20th century, engaging in interfaith dialogue, cultural preservation, and public welfare.

Today, the Jogye Order remains a major religious institution in South Korea, balancing traditional practices with contemporary social engagement, while continuing to oversee a large network of temples, monastic communities, and lay Buddhist organizations.