In a significant step towards globalising India’s Buddhist heritage, Uttar Pradesh Tourism will unveil a grand pavilion at the upcoming Busan International Buddhism Expo 2025, scheduled to be held from August 7 to 10 at BEXCO, Busan, South Korea.
With a thoughtfully curated showcase, Uttar Pradesh will represent India’s spiritual and cultural legacy at one of Asia’s most prominent Buddhist gatherings.
The pavilion will be inaugurated by senior officials from the Embassy of India in South Korea. It will serve as a tribute to the civilisational connection between India and Korea, highlighting the deep spiritual bond that began with the teachings of Lord Buddha over 2,500 years ago.
Uttar Pradesh is home to some of the most sacred sites in the Buddhist world, including Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, and Kushinagar, where he attained Mahaparinirvana. The state will also showcase Shravasti, Sankisa, and Kaushambi, which hold immense spiritual and archaeological importance.
Each segment of the pavilion will offer an interactive experience, featuring virtual pilgrimages, 3D storytelling, authentic cultural artefacts, and travel advisory services for Korean and international visitors interested in exploring the Buddhist Circuit of Uttar Pradesh.
“Uttar Pradesh is not just the land of temples and traditions. It is the land where the Buddha gave the world his first sermon and where his journey of peace concluded. Through this global platform, we will invite the world to rediscover India through the path of Dhamma,” said Jaiveer Singh, UP Minister of Tourism and Culture, here on Saturday.
The 2025 edition of the Busan Expo is expected to witness significant growth, with around 375 booths featuring meditation experiences, Buddhist art, wellness programmes, and interactive learning spaces. This year’s theme, ‘Find Your Enlightenment (with the Eightfold Path),’ is designed to appeal to a global audience, particularly Western youth and modern spiritual seekers.
Uttar Pradesh Tourism’s participation will align with this forward-looking theme by offering immersive storytelling, spiritual exploration, and a glimpse into India’s living Buddhist traditions.
“By showcasing our rich Buddhist legacy in an international and engaging format, we aim to strengthen India’s cultural diplomacy and make spiritual tourism more relevant to today’s generation. Our goal is for Korean visitors to see Uttar Pradesh not just as a destination but as a spiritual home,” said Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism.
India and South Korea share centuries of Buddhist and cultural connections, from the legendary journey of Princess Suriratna from Ayodhya to Korea to the ongoing exchange of spiritual ideas and traditions. Uttar Pradesh’s presence at the Busan Expo will reinforce India’s leadership in Buddhist diplomacy and serve as a platform for promoting peace, understanding, and tourism.
This initiative will also be a part of India’s broader efforts to promote the Buddhist Circuit as a world-class tourism offering, supported by modern infrastructure, digital storytelling, and strong international partnerships.
As South Korea emerges as a leading outbound travel market with a growing interest in spiritual and wellness tourism, Uttar Pradesh’s participation in Busan will help position it as a preferred destination for mindful travellers and cultural explorers.
The UP Tourism pavilion will remain open to visitors from August 7 to 10, inviting them to walk the path of the Buddha and discover the spiritual heart of India.