UP Tourism boosts Indo-Korean Buddhist ties on Day 2 of Busan International Buddhism Expo 2025

On the second day of the Busan International Buddhism Expo 2025, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism pavilion continued to be a vibrant hub of cultural connection, spiritual dialogue, and international collaboration.

Visitors ranging from Korean monastic leaders and cultural delegations to travel industry professionals engaged deeply with the state’s rich Buddhist heritage, reaffirming Uttar Pradesh’s position as the heart of the global Buddhist circuit.

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The participation of Uttar Pradesh Tourism at this year’s Expo began with a warm inauguration on August 7, 2025, by Ms. Ananya Agarwal, IFS-2013, First Secretary and Head of Chancery, Embassy of India, Seoul, marking the start of a vibrant showcase of the state’s Buddhist heritage, spiritual sites, and cultural treasures.

The day saw a special interaction between the Uttar Pradesh Tourism representative and Most Venerable Subul Sunim, Chief Patron of the Expo and one of the most revered monks in Korean Buddhism. Most Ven. Subul Sunim warmly commended the Government of Uttar Pradesh for its commitment to conserving and upgrading iconic Buddhist sites including Sarnath, Kushinagar, Kapilvastu (Piprahwa), Sankisa, and Shravasti. He accepted an invitation to visit India and personally undertake a pilgrimage across these sacred locations.

Adding to the cultural resonance, the pavilion showcased Buddha Rice, a symbolic offering that celebrates the shared agricultural and spiritual heritage of Buddhist communities. The gesture sparked warm conversations about cultural continuity, spiritual values, and the unique flavors of India.

The Ayodhya–Korea connection also found a special mention, as the story of Princess Suriratna (Queen Heo Hwang-ok) was shared with visitors, linking the historic city of Ayodhya to Korea’s own cultural memory. This narrative further enriched the understanding of Uttar Pradesh’s place in not only Buddhist but also broader civilizational history.

Key travel discussions unfolded and plans began taking shape for dedicated pilgrimage itineraries to India, with Uttar Pradesh as the focal point. Interest from several Korean temples and Buddhist organisations has already translated into tentative plans for group pilgrimages including delegations of about 25 Korean visitors in October 2025 and over 50 in November 2025.

“Our vision goes beyond promoting destinations. We are building bridges of faith, culture, and friendship that will inspire generations,” said Jaiveer Singh, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh.

The ongoing success of Uttar Pradesh’s participation in the Busan International Buddhism Expo 2025 reaffirms its farsighted approach where tourism is not merely about travel, but about creating transformative experiences that connect people, histories, and spiritual legacies across continents.