{
  "id": 3984787,
  "title": "Why are young Koreans so hooked on Buddhism?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/why-are-young-koreans-so-hooked-on-buddhism-3984787",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-28T15:32:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/others/20260829/why-are-young-koreans-so-hooked-on-buddhism"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "At the 2026 Busan International Buddhism Expo, a significant number of attendees were young people in their 20s and 30s. These visitors engaged in interactive Buddhist cultural experiences, such as making temple food and performing 108 prostrations. This marked a stark contrast to previous religious events they had attended, many stating that the atmosphere was distinctly different. This shift in demographics and enthusiasm for Buddhism marks a new trend, showing that young people are now viewing traditional Buddhist culture as fresh and appealing, embracing values like compassion and self-reflection.\n\nA key factor in this change is Haetal Company, a Buddhist merchandise brand that has reinterpreted Buddhist teachings through the lens of online memes popular with millennials and Generation Z. The company presents Buddhism in a lighthearted and contemporary manner, through clothing and household goods, rather than in the solemn way traditionally associated with the religion. This strategy has resonated with younger audiences, helping to modernize their perception and understanding of Buddhism.",
  "summary": "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…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Why are young Koreans so hooked on Buddhism?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/why-are-young-koreans-so-hooked-on-buddhism",
        "published": "2026-08-28T15:27:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}