Seoul International Buddhist Expo Pre-Registration Surpasses 40,000... Participants Quadruple Compared to Last Year

2025 Seoul International Buddhist Expo to Be Held at COEX from April 3 to 6
Free Admission Registration Closes After 40,000 Sign-Ups
"Programs Designed to Engage Both Older and Younger Generations"

The Seoul International Buddhist Expo 2025, held from April 3 to 6 at COEX Hall C in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, has surpassed 40,000 pre-registrations, the Expo Secretariat announced on the 5th.

2024 Seoul International Buddhist Expo Poster.

An official from the Secretariat stated, “With 30 days remaining until the opening of the Seoul International Buddhist Expo, pre-registrations have exceeded 40,000, leading to an early closure of free admission and pre-registration.” He added, “This figure is about four times higher compared to the same period last year.”

Although free admission for external visitors has ended, holders of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism membership card can still enter for free after verification at the admission desk. Group visits of 10 or more people can apply until March 23.

The Seoul International Buddhist Expo has played a central role in developing the traditional Buddhist cultural industry by establishing a MICE model that integrates traditional cultural products, services, and knowledge based on Korean Buddhist cultural industry resources. In recent years, it has focused on expanding its scope to become a specialized Buddhist expo recognized worldwide.

In this regard, the expo will hold the first-ever “Hidden Dhamma” challenge this year, where participants seek their own enlightenment through eight Paljeongdo (Eightfold Path) cards. Visitors will complete eight tasks throughout the expo venue, collecting the eight Paljeongdo cards to find their personal enlightenment in a special quest format.

Additionally, the Buddhist cultural events have become more diverse than last year. These include the Buddhist Cultural Industry Exhibition, Buddhist Art Exhibition, Overseas Buddhist Culture Invitation Exhibition, Zen Meditation Practice Stage, and Relay Talks (stage Dharma talks).

An official from the Secretariat said, “To continue the enthusiastic momentum of the 2024 Seoul International Buddhist Expo, which was successfully held amid nationwide interest last year, this year’s event will feature even richer events and concurrent programs.” He added, “We have planned various programs that everyone can participate in, from older generations to younger audiences, and we expect a high participation rate.”