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Jogye Order Announces 2025 International Buddhist Expo in Seoul

From koreaherald.com

The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, the nation’s largest Buddhist community, has announced that the annual Seoul International Buddhism Expo will be held from 3–6 April at the COEX Convention & Exhibition Center in downtown Seoul. Under the theme “Your Enlightenment! Buddhism Adventure,” the four-day event is aimed at promoting Korean Buddhism by inviting Buddhist monks from abroad, including an anticipated delegation of about 150 Chinese monks.

Initiated in 2013, the expo has steadily grown into a key platform for international dialogue on Buddhist practice. The event forms part of the Jogye Order’s broader strategy to gain global recognition for its Seon meditation practices—a form of meditation emphasizing direct insight and mindfulness. Last year, the order also organized a nationwide Seon Meditation Summit, during which Jogye Order President Ven. Jinwoo met with prominent US Buddhist thinkers and practitioners, as well as Yale University students, to showcase the benefits and contemporary relevance of Seon meditation.

A Jogye Order official explained the international outreach effort: “We have our eyes not only on China but also on Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar to spread our cause.” (The Korea Herald) He added that the universal appeal of meditation, central to physical and mental wellness, could serve as a bridge uniting Buddhist practitioners from diverse cultural and national backgrounds.

The expo is also designed to attract a younger demographic, with exhibition topics including cultural products and IT, consciousness and performance, food, clothes, and crafts. (Buddhism Expo) Officials noted that last year’s event drew a record 130,000 visitors—three times the attendance of the previous year—with eight out of ten attendees in their 20s and 30s. This marked increase in youth participation is a significant departure from the traditional image of Buddhist gatherings and reflects the Jogye Order’s commitment to modernizing its outreach. By integrating contemporary cultural elements into the event, the Order hopes to reshape perceptions of Buddhism among younger generations.

One such innovative element is the inclusion of electronic dance music performances under the tagline “Joyful Buddhism.” A comedian known for performing as a monk DJ, who played a central role in the previous year’s success, is scheduled to take the stage again in April. This blend of modern music and traditional Buddhist themes is intended to create an engaging atmosphere that resonates with a younger, tech-savvy audience while preserving the integrity of Buddhist teachings.

The expo is expected to serve as a forum for both cultural exchange and scholarly discussion. The organizers emphasized that the event was not merely an exhibition but also a meeting ground for Buddhist scholars, practitioners, and cultural enthusiasts. They said such exchanges were vital for promoting a deeper understanding of Buddhist practices and for ensuring that traditional teachings continued to evolve in a modern context.

Historically, Buddhism has played a central role in shaping Korean cultural identity. Introduced to the Korean Peninsula more than 1,600 years ago, Buddhism has influenced art, philosophy, and social values throughout the region. Today, as Korean society increasingly interacts with global cultures, the Jogye Order’s initiatives reflect an ongoing effort to maintain the relevance of Buddhist practice while embracing new ideas and methods of communication.

Local cultural organizations and government authorities in Seoul have also expressed support for the expo, noting its potential to bolster the city’s reputation as a center for international cultural exchange. The event is being closely monitored by various stakeholders, who see it as a vehicle for both preserving and rejuvenating Korea’s rich Buddhist heritage.

As preparations for the expo continue, organizers are finalizing programs that will include lectures, meditation sessions, and interactive performances. They stress that the event will offer opportunities for attendees to experience traditional Buddhist practices alongside modern interpretations, ensuring that both long-time practitioners and newcomers to Buddhism can find common ground in the pursuit of spiritual well-being.

President Subul Seunim of The Bulgyo Sinmun, the Jogye Order’s official newspaper, said: “I hope that this will be a time to discover the renewed attraction of Buddhism and reflect on the meaning of life by experiencing the Noble Eightfold Path, which is the Buddha’s eight secrets to a healthier, happier, and more peaceful life.” (Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism)

See more

Annual Buddhism expo focuses on globalization (The Korea Herald)
2025 Seoul International Buddhism Expo (Coex Center)
Seoul International Buddhist Expo (Buddhism Expo)
English | 2025 Seoul International Buddhism Expo, April 3-6 at COEX (Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism)

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