Why are young Koreans so hooked on Buddhism?
The most striking aspect of the 2026 Busan International Buddhism Expo was its demographic: Hundreds of people in their 20s and 30s packed the booths at BEXCO’s Exhibition Center 1 in Busan on Aug. 9. Young visitors took part in hands-on Buddhist cultural experiences like preparing temple food and performing 108 prostrations. The atmosphere was markedly different from that of other religious…
At the 2026 Busan International Buddhism Expo, a surprising number of young people aged between 20 and 30 were present among the attendees, according to the <source>. These individuals actively engaged in various Buddhist cultural experiences, such as preparing temple food and performing the ritual of 108 prostrations. This marked a significant shift from previous years, as the crowd was notably different from what was observed at similar events in the past, attendees stated.
This new trend indicates that young Koreans are beginning to view traditional Buddhist culture as novel and appealing, embracing values like compassion and self-reflection that were previously considered difficult to comprehend. One key factor driving this change is Haetal Company, a Buddhist merchandise brand that has found a way to make Buddhism relatable to millennials and Generation Z by incorporating familiar online memes into its clothing and household goods.
The company's approach is to present Buddhism in a cheerful and contemporary manner, moving away from the solemn image traditionally associated with the religion.
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Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Why are young Koreans so hooked on Buddhism? koreatimes.co.kr
