Gangneung’s Hyundeoksa brings ‘Jeolhaegodo’ to life — a forest cinema without electricity on Sept. 5

Sixth World Ilhwa International Buddhist Film Festival to feature a 14-group, no-electricity temple-stay camping experience

Turning off the outside world: Perfect isolation in a Geumgangsong pine forest

An unusual film festival that invites audiences to pitch tents and merge with nature in the deep mountain foothills of Jumunjin, Gangneung, is coming to the Geumgangsong Pine Forest. On Sept. 5, 'Geumgangsong Pine Forest Camping & Cinema' will be held at 'Hyundeoksa' as part of the sixth World Ilhwa International Buddhist Film Festival. The program goes beyond simply watching films, combining an overnight temple stay, camping and outdoor screenings.

A night without electricity or fire, paired with temple food and pour-over coffee

The screening aims to offer the fullest possible experience of nature through 'no-electricity camping.' Six guest rooms at 'Hyundeoksa' can accommodate about 20 people, while only six family groups and eight solo campers will be invited to the Geumgangsong forest, making the experience especially limited. Individual cooking and the use of fire are strictly restricted. Instead, guests will be served carefully prepared 'temple food' and 'hand-drip coffee' brewed by the head monk. The site will become a healing retreat where visitors can fully enjoy nature’s quiet with their pets.

A gravel courtyard becomes the screen for a mountain-temple theater under the night sky

The main highlight will be an outdoor screening of 'Jeolhaegodo' at 7 p.m. in the gravel courtyard in front of the temple. With artificial lights and noise left behind, only Gangneung’s cool night air and the sounds of insects will serve as the film’s soundtrack. A festival organizer explained the concept: "Rather than relying on Gangneung’s familiar image as a seaside city, we designed an unfamiliar yet alluring travel experience shaped by a night at a mountain temple." The event, which combines a 'temple stay' with film, is expected to offer special inspiration to modern people worn down by everyday life.