Monk Gyeongwu reappointed as abbot of Seonunsa Temple

Monk Gyeongwu, who stepped down as abbot of Seonunsa Temple to run for head of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, has been reappointed to the post.

Jogye Order Supreme Patriarch Jinwoo appointed Gyeongwu as abbot of Seonunsa Temple — the 24th district head temple — on Wednesday.

Jinwoo urged Gyeongwu to "draw on your many experiences to devote greater effort to the development of the order and the district, and to work toward protecting the temple and fostering harmony among the community."

In response, Gyeongwu said he would "do his utmost to contribute to the stability and unity of the order and to lead the district on a steady course."

At the appointment ceremony, Gyeongwu also donated 30 million won ($22,400) to a relief fund for victims of severe flooding in Nepal.

Gyeongwu entered Seonunsa in 1985 and has been associated with the temple for more than four decades. He served as its abbot from 2015 until stepping down in August to run in the supreme patriarch election. Over his career he also served as abbot of Manilsa, Cheongyeonsa and Janggyeongsa temples, as a member of the Jogye Order's Central Council during its 14th and 15th sessions, and in senior administrative roles including secretary-general and head of the order's dharma protection, audit and library bureaus.