Taego Order Announces New Year Slogan 'Integration and Progress'... Strengthening Welfare, Youth, and Traditional Culture

Chief Abbot Sangjin: "Leading the Way Toward a Society Free from Discrimination"
Strengthening Social Welfare and Support for Single Mothers
Citizen Participation Event: 'Yeongsan Water and Land Liberation Ceremony' to Be Held in October

The Taego Order of Korean Buddhism has announced its New Year’s slogan as “Steps Toward Integration, Progress, and Coexistence,” presenting the expansion of social welfare, youth mental care, and the revival of traditional cultural events as its main priorities for this year.

On the morning of January 20, at the Korea Buddhist Traditional Culture Transmission Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Chief Abbot Sangjin held a New Year’s press conference, stating, “As the root and pillar of Korean Buddhism, we will serve the nation and its people, taking the lead in realizing a society free from discrimination.”

On the morning of the 20th, at the Korean Buddhist Traditional Culture Transmission Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Sangjin, the Chief Abbot of the Taego Order of Korean Buddhism, is speaking at the New Year's press conference. Photo by Seo Mideum

Chief Abbot Sangjin emphasized that the order will play a role in ushering in an era of integration and progress, rather than division and regression, summarizing this year’s key policies as “strengthening social care” and “expanding public participation based on traditional culture.”

The Taego Order plans to first expand its social welfare projects for marginalized groups. Chief Abbot Sangjin explained, “We intend to carry out welfare projects that are devoted but not always visible.” Specifically, the order aims to identify beneficiaries and explore practical support measures in collaboration with organizations such as the Korea Single Mothers’ Association, the Korea Marine Corps Veterans Association, and the Korea Association for the Physically Disabled. This approach reflects the intention to broaden the scope of welfare work at the order level, ensuring sustainability through interconnected and cooperative structures rather than one-off support.

Support programs for young people will also be fully launched this year. The Taego Order plans to provide mental care support, focusing on meditation, for isolated or reclusive youth and those outside the school system. In response to the growing social issue of youth isolation and disconnection, the order aims to develop programs that help with psychological stability and recovery. Through these efforts, the order announced its intention to establish a model that simultaneously supports the emotional well-being of young people and restores their social connections.

In the field of traditional culture, large-scale events centered on Yeongsanjae will be held. The Taego Order plans to host the 15th Taego Cultural Festival and the 5th Yeongsan Water and Land Liberation Ceremony, both focused on Yeongsanjae, which is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and a National Intangible Heritage. In particular, the Yeongsan Water and Land Liberation Ceremony, which combines rituals for national peace and the well-being of the people with the practice of releasing captive animals, is scheduled to take place on October 17 at the Han River riverside park, with participation from both followers and citizens.

Chief Abbot Sangjin noted, “In the 1990s, there were many large-scale events at the Han River riverside park, but for the past 30 years, such events have been stagnant.” He expressed his intention to use this year’s event as an opportunity to reestablish the foundation for public participation. Citing last year’s International Precept Ceremony held at Gwanghwamun as an example, he added, “We will also prepare this year’s Yeongsan Water and Land Liberation Ceremony in a way that allows not only followers and citizens but also foreign tourists to participate.”

This year, the Taego Order plans to strengthen its public role by focusing on welfare, youth, and traditional culture projects, and to expand the agenda of social integration and coexistence externally.