[473 Clip] The 6th Seoul International Meditation Expo to Be Held

   The 6th Seoul International Meditation Expo, hosted by Dongguk University and sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST), will take place on Thursday, September 25th at Namsan Hall, Dongguk University in Seoul. Under the theme Meditation: A Journey into Wholeness, this year’s Expo seeks to promote mental well-being and the wider adoption and globalization of meditation.

Expanding the horizon of meditation across four areas

   The Expo will feature a diverse lineup of over 120 programs across the following four main areas: academics, culture, hands-on experiences, and education. The main event will take place from September 25th to 26th at the same venue and will be livestreamed. The opening ceremony on the 25th will feature a keynote address by Ven. Jinwoo, the President of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, who will share insights on the significance and future direction of meditation. Following the address, a conference will bring together domestic and international experts to discuss mental health, the social value of meditation, and the potential for globalizing Gongan Seon, a traditional Korean Buddhist practice. On the 26th, attendees can enjoy a festive atmosphere with performances of traditional Korean music, classical music, poetry readings, and choir performances, all aimed at making meditation more accessible to the public. Throughout the Expo, various experiential booths will be set up around the Dongguk University Seon meditation center (Room 322, 6th Floor, Hyehwa Hall), showcasing different meditation techniques. Programs for participants seeking a deeper practice will also be offered from September to November. Extending beyond individual healing through meditation, the Expo embraces community cohesion and approaches four main programs. The academic section integrates meditation with psychology, industry, and advanced technology to build the academic identity of Korean Seon meditation. The cultural section brings together tradition and modernity through meditative art performances. The experiential section explores innovative meditation practices that utilize state-of-the-art technology. Lastly, the practice section offers profound experiences such as seated meditation and walking in contemplation, providing opportunities for spiritual growth beyond daily lives.

Sharing Korean Seon meditationto the global audience

   The Expo is not just a series of events; it is a comprehensive platform for all aspects of meditation. Following the hosting of the 5th Expo last year, which demonstrated the potential for spreading meditation to the public through youth and citizen participation programs, international conferences, cultural performances, and online broadcasts, this year’s 6th Expo is expected to further elevate the international standing of Korean meditation. The event is anticipated not only to highlight the excellence of traditional Korean meditation on a global stage but also to serve as a hub for the exchange of Eastern and Western meditation cultures. Ultimately, the Expo seeks to become a global platform for meditation culture, promoting harmony among individuals, communities, and the world. It promotes humanity’s mental and spiritual well-being.

   Meditation has now become a culture that anyone can experience and enjoy in daily lives. Through this Expo, participants can find a space to relieve stress, calm their minds, and reflect on themselves. With multiple generations taking part, the event’s benefits extend beyond the individual, cultivating a sense of community and contributing to the overall mental health of society. Participants will have the unique opportunity to directly experience firsthand the positive effects of meditation on their daily lives. This experience is expected to help them find personal peace and clarity.