The Dongguk University Buddhist Studies Institute (Director Monk Jeongdo) will hold the '6th Seoul International Meditation Expo' for two days from November 22 to 23 at the SETEC Hall 2 in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, near Hakgyeoul Station.
This event, themed '2025 Meditation, the Path to Unity', aims to enhance citizens' mental health and promote the practice of meditation, supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Participation is free, and anyone interested in meditation can join.
Moved to Indoor Space, Improved Accessibility
At a press conference held at Dongguk University on November 4, Monk Jeongdo stated, "Previous events were held outdoors in places like playgrounds or the Eightfold Path Plaza, which were affected by the weather. This year, we have prepared for citizens to experience structured meditation in the comfortable indoor space of SETEC."
Monk Jeongdo also emphasized, "Our society is changing at an unprecedented speed, and the mental aspect is not keeping up. Meditation is significant because, unlike counselling, it allows individuals to control their own minds through personal experience."
24 Domestic Meditation Experience Booths, Composed of 4 Themes
The domestic meditation experience booths are composed of four themes: ▲ Body and Breath Meditation ▲ Senses and Art Meditation ▲ Reflection and Expression Meditation ▲ Tea and Rest Meditation.
In the 'Body and Breath Meditation' booth, programs focusing on body awareness will be conducted, including correct posture meditation, healing walking meditation, and breath meditation.
The 'Senses and Art Meditation' booth will offer programs utilizing the five senses, such as singing bowl sound meditation, aroma meditation using scents, flower mandala meditation with fresh flowers, and light flower mandala meditation using glass crafts.
In the 'Reflection and Expression Meditation' booth, participants will have time for introspection through heart writing meditation, photo meditation, and the Heart Sutra copying meditation.
The 'Tea and Rest Meditation' booth will feature tea meditation, where participants observe their senses during the tea brewing and drinking process, as well as mindfulness meal meditation.
Additionally, a smart device meditation program will be available, utilizing the latest smart devices such as VR, brain waves, and pulse waves to check and adjust meditation states.
Experience Traditional Meditation Methods from 9 Countries
The World Meditation Experience Hall will introduce traditional practices from 9 countries, including Korea, Hawaii, Tibet, Turkey, Japan, the UK, Sri Lanka, India, and Bangladesh.
At the Korean booth, participants can experience the Ganhwa Seon, which seeks enlightenment through koans, and have tea talks with monks.
The Hawaii booth will feature traditional Hawaiian spiritual practices, including Huna meditation and Aloha meditation, while the Tibet booth will offer sand mandala experiences under the guidance of Tibetan monks, compassion meditation to cultivate Bodhicitta, and the Tibetan traditional healing method Ku-Nye.
The Turkey booth will present Sufi remembrance meditation and whirling meditation from Islamic mysticism, while the Japan booth will offer Zen garden seated meditation.
The UK booth will feature mindfulness meditation and Vipassana meditation, and the Sri Lanka booth will provide an experience of writing the first Buddhist scripture, the Pali Canon, on palm leaves.
The India booth will offer Pranayama and mantra meditation, as well as inner silence meditation, while the Bangladesh booth will provide a compassion meditation based on the early Buddhist scripture, the Suttanipata.
Monk Bohyun from the Buddhist Studies Institute stated, "Even applied meditation reflects the core teachings of the scriptures," and added, "As meditation becomes more popular, I hope Dongguk University establishes itself as a meditation platform with expertise and academic foundations while inheriting tradition and developing it to suit modern society."
New Jin Monk's Opening Performance, Fusion Performance to be Showcased
At the opening ceremony on the 22nd at 2 PM, New Jin Monk, known for 'Hip Buddhism', will perform a congratulatory performance. The ceremony, hosted by announcer Kim Ji-won, will include opening remarks by President Yoon Jae-woong of Dongguk University, a speech by Chairman Monk Donkwan (Chairman of Dongguk University), followed by program introductions from booth managers.
Following this, a fusion performance combining singing bowl sounds, traditional music, and digital visuals will showcase a new format that merges art and meditation.
Started in 2019, 25,000 Participants Each Year
The Seoul International Meditation Expo has reached its 6th edition this year, starting from its first event in 2019. Each year, over 25,000 domestic and international meditators and citizens participate, establishing Seoul as the 'City of Meditation'.
Monk Jeongdo stated, "Traditional Seon is the root and center of meditation," and added, "Dongguk University aims to become a platform encompassing various meditations based on human and academic resources, inheriting tradition while developing it to fit modern society."
He also mentioned, "I heard that next year, the government will reflect mental health management programs in its policies," and expressed hope that this expo will serve as a catalyst for that role.
Operational Information
All meditation experience booths will operate from 10 AM to 6 PM on both the 22nd and 23rd. Each booth will be run by professional meditation instructors who will provide expert guidance and experiences.
Registration can be done through the Google Form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdveELfl-_whQ32CL7znHcLAZ8SpJE403UL37kYEEi-Pf0ahQ/viewform?pli=1), and on-site participation is also possible.
The event venue, SETEC Hall 2, is conveniently connected to Hakgyeoul Station on Subway Line 3, making public transport easy.