South Korea: Thousands Gather for Meditation Festa Marking 70 Years of Lay Practice

The Buddhist Channel, 22 Sep 2025

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – A Seon meditation event was held at Gwanghwamun Square on Saturday. The event was named the “Happy Barami Seon Meditation Festa.” It was held to mark the 70th anniversary of the Lay Buddhist Association of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. The event had an estimated 7,000 participants.




The plaza was a site of meditation. People sat on mats in the rain. The event provided activities for the public. One activity was Seon meditation. Another activity was sutra copying, which is the practice of writing texts by hand. People also made lotus lanterns and mandala keyrings. These items are symbols in Buddhism.

An 11-year-old participant, Choi Min-jae, spoke about the event. "I meditate at home with videos from the internet. This session was helpful. I want more programs like this in the city," he said.

Leaders from the Buddhist order and the government attended. Jung Won-ju is the president of the Lay Buddhist Association. He is also chairman of a construction company and a media group. Ven. Jinwoo is the president of the Jogye Order. Politicians at the event included Rep. Lee Hun-seung, who leads the National Assembly's Buddhist Association. Rep. Joo Ho-young and Rep. Kwak Sang-eon were also present. Lee Kee-heung, a former head of the Olympic committee, attended as well.

Jung Won-ju gave a speech. He said the gathering was for promoting well-being through meditation. He said the goal was to bring the teachings of the Buddha into daily life. He said the breathing and awareness practiced at the event are not only for the person. He said they extend to families, neighbors, and society. He said they plant seeds for healing conflict and for peace. He said that in a time of technology, Buddhism can guide growth and help build a society of harmony.

Rep. Lee Hun-seung also spoke. He said Seon meditation is a practice that clears the mind and finds peace. He said the understanding from meditation helps with compassion for others and society. He said he hoped the experience would lead people to use the teachings in their lives.

The head of the Jogye Order, Ven. Jinwoo, gave a teaching. He said the purpose of meditation is to not be in pain. He said all people experience suffering. He said the amount of suffering differs. He said a person who experiences suffering is ordinary. He said a person who has overcome suffering is a Buddha. He said the Buddha found a path to overcome suffering.

He also said the path is not easy. He said wanting too much happiness can lead to unhappiness. He said seeking too much pleasure can lead to sorrow. He said all things come from causes and conditions. He said people should not become attached to things. He said the first step is to calm the mind. He said this requires the practice of Seon meditation over time.

The event served as a marker for the 70-year history of the lay association. It demonstrated the practice of meditation in a public space.


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