제 30 호 The Rise of Buddhist Expos: Why Buddhism Is Gaining Popularity Among Young Generations
Kicker: LIFE
The Rise of Buddhist Expos:
Why Buddhism Is Gaining Popularity
Among Young Generations
By Ji-Won Choi, reporter
그림 11Buddhist Expos
Buddhism has long been regarded as a religion, but recently it has gained new attention as a cultural trend among young people. This change is clearly reflected in the growing popularity of Buddhist fairs. The 14th Seoul International Buddhism Expo, held at COEX in Seoul from April 2 to April 5, ended successfully. About 250,000 people visited the expo this year, compared to about 200,000 visitors last year. More than 60,000 people registered in advance or purchased discounted tickets before the opening, showing strong interest from the beginning. In particular, a large number of people in their 20s and 30s attended the event. Visitors enjoyed not only traditional Buddhist culture, but also meditation experiences, stylish Buddhist merchandise, and a variety of exhibition programs. Photos and reviews of the expo quickly spread on social media, helping Buddhism gain attention as a “hip” and trendy culture. In a society where competition and anxiety have become part of everyday life, Buddhism offers young people a new way to find comfort and emotional healing. This raises an important question: how did Buddhism capture the interest of younger generations, and what does the success of this expo mean?
A New Way to Experience Buddhism
그림 2The “Ball Draw” Program
The theme of this year’s Seoul International Buddhism Expo was “Form is Emptiness, Emptiness is Form: The Ball Game You Love.” The expo reinterpreted the Buddhist concept of “śūnyatā,” or emptiness, as a playful “ball game.” In Buddhism, emptiness means that all things with form do not have a fixed essence. Instead, they are constantly changing and exist through their relationships with one another. At the center of the expo was an interactive event called “Ball Draw.” Visitors used coins collected at the venue to draw a ball. Depending on the message inside, they could complete a mission or exchange it for a souvenir. There were three types of balls: question balls, fortune balls, and prize balls. Question balls allowed visitors to speak directly with monks and explore the meaning of emptiness. Fortune balls contained message cards that revealed a play on words between “emptiness” and “luck” when turned over. Prize balls included handwritten messages and autographs donated by well-known figures such as monks, rappers, and actors.
New Cultural Experiments in Buddhism
The Seoul International Buddhism Expo went beyond the programs mentioned above and introduced a variety of related events that made Buddhism more approachable and engaging. One of the most notable programs was the “Heart Sutra Party” held at Bongeunsa. At this event, rapper Woo Won-jae and DJ Soda reinterpreted the Heart Sutra, one of Buddhism’s most important scriptures, through hip-hop and DJ performances. By presenting a traditional scripture in a modern performance format, the event attracted strong interest from young people and quickly became a hot topic on social media and online communities.
During the expo, “Relax Week” and the International Seon Meditation Conference were also held. Relax Week introduced meditation, yoga, counseling, and wellness spaces across the country, offering people opportunities to find peace of mind in their daily lives. The International Seon Meditation Conference featured lectures and hands-on programs that helped participants experience Seon meditation in an accessible way. Activities such as meditation with dogs, singing bowl workshops, and vegetarian cooking classes showed that Buddhism is not only a religious practice for believers, but also a lifestyle culture that anyone can enjoy.
Through music, meditation, exhibitions, and interactive programs, the Seoul International Buddhism Expo presented Buddhism in a new and creative way. By translating traditional teachings into a language that resonates with modern audiences, Buddhism is becoming more than a solemn religion for young people. Instead, it is emerging as a cultural experience that offers relaxation, healing, and meaningful new perspectives.
Why Buddhism Appeals to Young People
One reason Buddhism has become popular among young people is that it is now seen as a cultural trend rather than simply a religion. The term “hip Buddhism” has emerged to describe this change. Buddhism is no longer viewed as solemn or distant. Instead, it is seen as stylish, approachable, and relevant to everyday life. Comedian Yoon Seong-ho attracted widespread attention with his DJ persona “NewJeansNim,” and the temple-stay dating program “I Am Solo, Temple Style” (“나는절로”) also became a popular topic among young adults. One of Buddhism’s greatest strengths is that it focuses on self-reflection rather than belief in a specific god. Because of this, even people with no religious affiliation can easily enjoy activities such as meditation, temple stays, and Buddhist merchandise. In addition, Buddhist teachings about letting go of attachment and focusing on the present align closely with values that many young people appreciate, including minimalism and mindfulness. For young people who are stressed by school, work, and relationships, Buddhism offers comfort and rest. Meditation, counseling, temple food, and wellness programs help people find emotional balance and inner peace. In this way, Buddhism is moving beyond the boundaries of traditional religion and becoming a cultural experience that resonates with younger generations.
Whether this trend will remain a temporary fad or develop into a lasting cultural phenomenon remains to be seen. Some people have expressed concerns that Buddhism may be consumed as light and commercial content, which could dilute the depth of its teachings and practices. However, it is clear that many young people are finding comfort, rest, and new perspectives on life through Buddhism. The success of the Seoul International Buddhism Expo shows that traditional religions can also communicate with the public in new ways that reflect the changing times. Buddhism is no longer seen as something only for religious believers. Instead, it is becoming an open and accessible culture for anyone seeking peace of mind in the midst of a busy life. If Buddhism continues to preserve its traditional values while being reinterpreted with a modern sensibility, it is likely to remain a meaningful cultural force that offers comfort and inspiration to younger generations.
Source:
https://www.ibulgyo.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=436964
https://www.newswire.co.kr/newsRead.php?no=1031770
