A dinner with Ven. Hyemin, one of the most influential Buddhist monks in Korea, is up for auction, with a starting price of 3 million won ($2,780).

The winning bidder of the online auction may take three of his or her friends to the dinner with the monk, scheduled to be held from 7-9 p.m. on May 15 at Dugaheon restaurant in Samcheong-ro, Seoul.

“This is a chance to have dinner with Ven. Hyemin and listen to his good words and donate the proceeds to charity,” said Sohn Yi-cheon of art K Auction, which organizes the online auction with charity group We Start in fund-raising for underprivileged children. 

Ven. Hyemin emerged as one of Korea’s most influential religious figures a few years ago as his 2012 self-help book “Things Can Be Seen When You Stop,” containing inspirational lessons and wisdom, topped bestseller lists in 2012 and 2013.

“Lunches with Warren Buffet have long been auctioned off as a way to raise money for a charity organization to help needy people. This dinner auction with Ven. Hyemin was inspired by this,” said Sohn.

Bidding opens Saturday and closes at 4 p.m. on May 6 at www.k-auction.com.

By Lee Woo-young (wylee@heraldcorp.com)