The Busan International Buddhist Expo, which ran until 11 August, drew significant interest from younger generations, marking a shift in how Buddhism is perceived in South Korea. The event featured programs specifically aimed at millennials and Generation Z, including a meditation session, a performance by DJ NewJeansNim—who blends electronic dance music with Buddhist teachings—and a pop-up store selling Buddhist-themed merchandise.
“The merchandise was totally lit—T-shirts with Buddhist phrases and K-pop lyrics, and hand fans with Buddhist memes.” noted 27-year-old attendee Kim Mi-gang. “I’ve stopped assuming that Buddhism is just a thing for older folks. Seeing all that hip merchandise at the expo got me craving some for myself.” (Hankyoreh)
The expo’s focus on youth culture is part of a broader trend in South Korea, where Buddhism is gaining popularity among younger people through innovative cultural expressions. For example, DJ NewJeansNim, a comedian-turned-DJ, has gained a following by creating EDM tracks based on Buddhist principles. The popular DJ has sparked debates across East and Southeast Asia, as many Buddhists have expressed appreciation for his approach, while others have voiced worries that he is misrepresenting Buddhism and could be confusing his audience.*
Similarly, a temple-stay program called “Naneun Jeollo” or “I’m Temple-Bound,” designed as a matchmaking event for singles in their 20s and 30s, has reportedly seen overwhelming interest, with 70 applicants for every available spot.**
The rise of “Buddhist-core” fashion, featuring T-shirts with ironic Buddhist slogans such as “Enlightenment!” and “Nirvana Rocks,” has also contributed to this trend. Twenty-nine-year-old Buddhist Ju Yeo-jin has been at the forefront of this movement, selling hundreds of such T-shirts monthly through her online store. Ju, who grew up in a temple, explained that her designs resonated with Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike because they reflected her casual understanding of Buddhism.
Environmental consciousness has also played a role in the resurgence of Buddhism among young people. Ju organized an upcycling event called “Karma Laundry” in July, where participants transformed old T-shirts into “Buddhist-core” fashion items, aligning with the Buddhist principle of respecting all life forms. Seventeen-year-old Shin Ye-seol, who attended Karma Laundry, shared that her interest in Buddhism was sparked by Buddhist-themed lyrics in songs from her favorite band. She even wore an upcycled Buddhist T-shirt to a recent rock festival.
The growing popularity of Buddhism among young people has also led to the establishment of spaces such as JustBe Temple in Seoul’s trendy Hongdae area. Opened in October 2022 by brothers Junhan and Baekdam, JustBe aims to make Buddhism more accessible to young people. The temple offers traditional meditation sessions alongside activities such as free dance sessions and vegetarian potlucks, which have become popular with younger visitors.
The increasing appeal of Buddhism in South Korea is seen as a result of its inclusivity and efforts to lower the barriers to entry. Pop culture critic Jang Deok-hyeon noted that Buddhism was moving beyond its image as a “far-off religion for hermits on mountaintops,” becoming more integrated into daily life. (Hankyoreh)
A youth representative of JustBe Temple, Yoon Ji-woong, added that the acceptance of youth culture by Buddhist orders, as demonstrated by their invitation to DJ NewJeansNim, had contributed to Buddhism’s newfound appreciation from younger generations. “While NewJeansNim’s deejaying could subject him to criticism, the fact that actual Buddhist orders are inviting him to their events and giving him a Buddhist name has shown that they’re totally open to youth culture, and that’s helped it take on this aspect of coolness,” said Yoon. (Hankyoreh)
* Buddhists Debate Korean “DJ Monk” After Controversy in Malaysia (BDG)
** Buddhist Monks in South Korea Take up Matchmaking (BDG)
See more
Buddhism’s cool new image turns Korea’s Gen Z into Generation Zen (Hankyoreh)
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