Dear Colleagues and Participants,
Today, humanity enjoys unprecedented scientific advancement and material abundance. Paradoxically, however, we face deeper spiritual crises and more complex social and ecological challenges than ever before. Issues such as the devaluation of life, social polarization, the climate crisis, and ecological destruction reveal the limitations of a modern civilization centered primarily on material growth. At this turning point in the history of civilization, We believe it is time for us to reflect on the root causes of these issues and seek participation, practice, and solidarity for a sustainable society.
In response to these calls of our time, the Mind Humanities Institute at Wonkwang University is honored to host a forum for wisdom under the theme: "Modern Civilization and Mind Practice: Mindfulness for Life and Ecological Transformation." This upcoming conference is particularly significant as it is the International Conference on Mindfulness (ICM-AP Series) and is being hosted in South Korea for the first time in a non-English speaking country. We believe this will serve as a vital platform for academic exchange between international mindfulness research trends and domestic scholars of mind practice.
Beyond mere academic exchange, we hope this conference embodies the following values:

First, we seek an alternative for civilization through a "Mind Revolution." We hope this will be a journey to explore how mindfulness and meditation—moving beyond individual stress reduction or psychological healing—can serve as a "spiritual foundation" and a "practical bridge" toward ecological living and the healing of modern civilization’s ills.

Second, we aim to share a vision for integrated and practical "Mind Practice."Through a multidisciplinary approach encompassing philosophy, religion, psychology, and education, as well as medicine, welfare, and ecology, this conference will be a time to share integrated visions and practical solutions for the mind practice needed in modern society.

Third, we hope to see Korean spiritual culture expand as a universal value for humanity. By exploring how the research and activities of Korean scholars and organizations align with global social and ecological tasks, we look forward to this being an opportunity for Korea’s unique tradition of "Mind Practice" to be recognized as a universal value for the modern world.

Finally, this year marks both the 80th anniversary of Wonkwang University and a new beginning as an integrated institution. We hope this conference will be a meaningful venue for exchange and solidarity, realizing Wonkwang University’s founding spirit of respect for life and moral practice, as well as its vision as a "Glocal" university.
We look forward to welcoming you to South Korea in October 2026.
Thank you.

Jinyoung Jang, Christian Krageloh Co-Chair, ICM-AP 2026 Organizing Committee