Ilchi Lee rings historic bell to mark new year
New Year's Eve is a special occasion for people all across the world, and ceremonies to mark the day can be important way for individuals to affirm their spirituality and connection with their fellow man. For centuries, this occasion has been marked in South Korea by the ringing of Bosingak Bell.
In 2008, trailblazer and philosopher Ilchi Lee was lucky enough to be chosen to ring the historic bell to usher in the new year. The Bosingak Bell was originally built in 1396. After several reconstructions, it now is a major symbol of Korean culture and is rung at midnight on the first day of every year.
Crowds typically gather in large numbers in the area of the bell and it is one of the country's most enduring New Year's traditions. Thousands of people come to Jongno, where the bell is located, each year to hear it ring.
Ringing the bell gave Ilchi Lee a chance to connect with his heritage and history. Interacting with culture in this way can be a powerful force that jumpstarts a person down a road to spiritual development and fulfillment.
