The 2026 Seoul International Buddhism Expo (BEXPO2026) recently concluded in the South Korea capital, with the organizers reporting record attendance of more than 250,000 visitors—an increase of 50,000 over last year’s event. The organizing office affirmed that the expo was now firmly established as an international “urban traditional culture and lifestyle festival.”
The annual expo offers a unique window into South Korea’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. The theme for this year’s exposition was “Form Is Emptiness, Emptiness Is Form: Play with Emptiness in Your Own Way,” aimed at introducing and exploring the foundational Buddhist tenet of shunyata, as expressed in the Heart Sutra.
Organized by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, Korea’s largest Buddhist order, with support from South Korea’s Buddhist Newspaper, the expo was held from 2–5 April at the COEX convention and exhibition center and neighboring Bongeunsa Temple in Seoul’s bustling Gangnam District.
“Tradition should not stay in the past, but through the conference should be expanded to the value necessary for today’s life and future generations,” the president of the Jogye Order, Ven. Jinwoo, remarked during the expo’s opening ceremony. He emphasized that the traditional resources of Buddhism should benefit modern society and continue with future generations. “I hope that ‘K-Buddhism’ and ‘K-Traditional Culture’ will be a new axis for the Korean Wave to meet people around the world.” (Seoul International Buddhist Expo)
The organizers reported that Gen Z dominated attendance numbers, with 73 per cent of visitors aged in their 20s and 30s, and 48 per cent of attendees having no formal religious affiliation.
Such was the popularity of the four-day event that the organizers suspended onsite registration from the morning of the third day, restricting attendance to pre-registered attendees to reduce congestion. They added that exhibition space for the 2027 expo would be doubled starting from next year’s expo, with plans to significantly expand foot traffic flows and rest areas.
“Buddhism is freedom. It’s about being free from suffering and attachment—and that’s something anyone can relate to,” said Ven. Dogyun, a Korean nun from Hyegwangsa Temple in Busan. “People often think Buddhism has to be quiet or serious, but that’s a misconception. Buddhism is about freedom—and that includes how people experience and express it.” (Korea Herald)
Since its launch in 2013, the Seoul International Buddhism Expo has become a cornerstone event in the nation’s cultural calendar, serving as an opportunity to explore the impact of Buddhism on Korean art, philosophy, and daily life, and to engage with contemporary manifestations of the Buddhist teachings. This year marked the 14th edition of the annual Buddhist event, offering an inclusive environment welcoming people from all walks of life to learn, participate, and soak in the profundity of Korean Buddhist traditions.
Through 435 booths, the expo focused on offering exposure to Buddhist practice and culture through experiential programs. This year’s focus on “emptiness” was explored through immersive experiences and interactive activities, including themed games, face-to-face dialogues with Buddhist monastics, and installations that presented philosophical ideas as tangible experiences.
“The idea was to make Buddhism more approachable,” an organizing official explained. “By opening with a Heart Sutra chant and blending the rest of the setlist with familiar music, we wanted to make something unfamiliar feel more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.” (Korea Herald)
The official emphasized that the objective was not just engagement, but access. “Temples have increasingly become spaces people do not actively seek out,” she said. “Programs like these are designed to give people a reason to step into temples they might not otherwise visit.” (Korea Herald)
Running in parallel with the expo, the historic Bongeunsa Temple, hosted the Seoul Meditation Summit from 3–5 April under the theme “Seon Meditation in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”
A popular highlight was a unique performance that combined the Heart Sutra with hip-hop beats and DJ music, reflecting growing public interest in creative reinterpretations of traditional spiritual teachings.
The conference also featured prominent monastics and scholars from Korea and abroad. One Korean monk expressed cautious optimism at the popularity of the expo and related events.
“We monks really need to think about this—whether this is truly a good thing or a bad thing,” Ven. Ilseo of the Taego Order noted, describing many attendees as “potential believers,” drawn in by curiosity but not necessarily connected to the Buddhist teachings. (Korea Herald)
“The question is how to reach them. If we focus only on attracting people without preparation, it could backfire,” Ven. Ilseo continued. “Buddhism is not a trend. Even if we follow trends, we need to consider what truly represents the Buddha.” (Korea Herald)
According to survey data from 2024, the majority of South Korea’s population—51 per cent—holds no religious affiliation. Christians make up the largest religious segment of the population at 31 per cent, while Buddhists account for 17 per cent. Buddhism is reported to be the fastest-growing religion in South Korea in recent years, amid growth in interest among young people.
See more
Seoul International Buddhist Expo
Merch and EDM shows: Seoul Buddhist expo repackages ancient faith as lifestyle brand (Korea JoongAng Daily)
Rhythm, religion, algorithm: Buddhism Expo draws 250,000 visitors, led by Gen Z (Korea Herald)
2026 Seoul International Buddhism Expo with Focus on ‘Emptiness’ and Modern Wellness (BTN World)
Hip Buddhism takes over Seoul: Gen Z flocks to buy temple merch (The Korea Times)
Seoul International Buddhism Expo Draws Record 250,000 Visitors (Seoul Economic Daily)
Who says religion can’t be cool? Buddhism expo (AJP)
Buddhism Expo in Seoul targets young people with K-pop and electronic music (AsiaNews)
Related news reports from BDG
South Korea’s Jogye Order to Host 2026 Seoul International Buddhism Expo in April
2025 Busan International Buddhism Expo Opens in South Korea with a Splash of Dharma
Seoul Buddhism Expo Hosted by Korea’s Jogye Order Draws Record Crowds
Jogye Order Announces 2025 International Buddhist Expo in Seoul
Buddhists Look to Youth at International Buddhism Expo in Seoul
