Reconciliation, Mutual Beneficence, and Religion

 

The Fourth World SangSaeng Forum International Conference

Daejin University, Korea, October 24-26, 2025

  

 

The Daesoon Academy of Sciences (DAOS) was established in 1992 at Daejin University and has been the leading center of academic development for the study of Daesoon Thought. DAOS has established an international academic network with prestigious academic institutions, academic societies, and scholars around the world to continuously promote academic research, academic exchange, and research projects. Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences (JDAOS), Journal of Daesoon Thought and the Religions of East Asia (JDTREA), and Journal of East Asian Religions and Cultures (JEARC) are opening new horizons in East Asian religious studies by publishing journals with an international perspective. This year, the 4th World SangSaeng Forum International Conference will be held at Daejin University in Korea under the theme of 'Reconciliation, Mutual Beneficence, and Religion'.

Religion has been at the center of many conflicts and reconciliations throughout human history. As a tool for reconciliation and coexistence (mutual beneficence), religion has the power to bring humanity together, but it can also sow seeds of conflict. First, religion leads to human peace through love, compassion, and mutual beneficence. Second, religion strengthens communal bonds to address social inequality and help humanity live better lives through mutual beneficence. Third, religion promotes personal growth and transformation by providing spiritual teachings. On the other hand, religious extremism and its harms have become a serious societal problem. This conference aims to bring together internationally renowned scholars to share forms of discourse and alternatives that aim to resolve global conflicts and related problems and overcome the wounds caused by conflicts and opposition through reconciliation and mutual beneficence.

 

ORGANIZERS

Chairs: Bae Kyuhan, Chairman of Daesoon Academy of Sciences 

Sponsors: Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR), International Conference on Daoist Studies, Daesoon Jinrihoe's Yeoju Headquarters Temple Complex, and Daejin University

 

FORMAT

October 23 (Thurs): Upon your arrival in Korea, you will be met by a member of our academy's staff who will lead you to an airport limousine-bus to transport you to your hotel. 

October 24 (Fri): The conference will be held on the morning of Friday, the 24th at Daejin University, with an opening ceremony and keynote speech. Lunch will be served and there will be breakout sessions in the afternoon, which will consist of 20-minute individual presentations on panel topics, followed by open discussion.

October 25 (Sat): On Saturday, there will be a religious and cultural tour including a visit to the Daesoon Jinrihoe’s Yeoju Headquarters Temple Complex. There will be dinner banquet to welcome conference attendees in the evening.

October 26 (Sun): On Sunday, the official schedule will conclude with a religious and cultural tour followed by free time.

October 27 (Mon): On Monday, guests will be individually transported from their hotel to the airport by airport bus.

 

REGISTRATION

Send identifying information (name, email, institution) as well as an up to 200-word abstract (required for presenters but not general attendees) to idaos@daejin.ac.kr

After you submit your presentation, we will determine which panel best fits your presentation topic. Alternatively, you can team up with up to four other presenters and submit a panel proposal that relates to the theme of the conference.

 

FEE

The conference attendance fee, accommodations, meals, and local travel expenses during the official period of the conference, will be covered by DAOS. A portion of airfare will also be provided for presenters.

 

DEADLINES

Registration and abstracts due by April 23, 2025

Paper (first draft) due by September 22, 2025 (length: 8,000-10,000 words)

The program on will be viewable online on September 29, 2025.

 

LOCATION

Daejin University, Seondan-dong, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

 

 

HOUSING

October 23, 24, & 26: Lotte Hotel World, Seoul (www.lottehotel.com/global/en.html)

October 25: Yeoju Sun Valley Hotel (www.sunvalley.co.kr/hotel/hotel/intro)

 

TRANSPORTATION

There is an airport bus from Incheon International Airport to Lotte Hotel World (a roughly one-hour ride). 

1) If you arrive on October 23rd, the staff of our academy will help lead you to the airport bus. 

2) If you arrive before October 23rd, please use the bus known as K-Airport Limousine (6705) at 'Stop 4A' in Terminal 1 or 'Stop 19' in Terminal 2.