The Seoul International Buddhism Expo officially opened on April 2 at COEX Convention & Exhibition Center, and early visitors reported large crowds gathering from the very first day as interest in Buddhist culture continues to grow across South Korea.
The four-day cultural exhibition runs from April 2 to April 5, 2026, bringing together traditional Buddhist heritage, lifestyle products, meditation experiences, and creative cultural content in one place. Organizers describe the expo as a space where visitors can explore both classical temple culture and modern interpretations of Buddhist ideas through interactive programs and themed exhibitions.
Hosted by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, the country’s largest Buddhist sect, the event is now in its 14th edition, reflecting its role as one of the major annual gatherings focused on Korean Buddhist culture and related creative industries.
This year’s expo emphasizes experiential participation rather than traditional display-only exhibitions. Visitors can explore meditation sessions, tea-culture activities, ordination-experience booths, cultural workshops, and exhibitions that reinterpret temple traditions through modern lifestyle trends. Officials explained that the goal is to make Buddhism feel more approachable and relevant to younger generations as well as international visitors.
In addition to spiritual programs, the event also features design-focused cultural goods and contemporary reinterpretations of Buddhist aesthetics. Organizers highlighted collaborations with artists, creators, and lifestyle brands as part of efforts to present Buddhism as a living cultural platform rather than only a religious tradition.
Attendance expectations for the expo are high. Based on previous editions, the event typically attracts tens of thousands of visitors, with estimates ranging between 50,000 and 100,000 attendees across the exhibition period.
Because of its mix of tradition, wellness experiences, and modern cultural design, the expo appeals not only to practicing Buddhists but also to general visitors interested in meditation, temple culture, and Korean lifestyle trends.
As interest in mindfulness and cultural experiences continues to grow worldwide, the 2026 Seoul International Buddhism Expo shows how traditional spiritual heritage can successfully connect with today’s audiences—turning a religious-culture exhibition into one of the most talked-about spring events in Seoul.