The four-day event, held from August 7 to 10 at BEXCO in Busan, Republic of Korea, brought together monks, cultural leaders, and travel industry professionals from across Asia, generating significant tourism interest and deepening Indo-Korean spiritual connections.
Photo: SNS
Uttar Pradesh Tourism has successfully concluded its vibrant participation at the Busan International Buddhism Expo 2025, further cementing the state’s reputation as the spiritual heart of Buddhist pilgrimage and a leading global cultural tourism destination.
The four-day event, held from August 7 to 10 at BEXCO in Busan, Republic of Korea, brought together monks, cultural leaders, and travel industry professionals from across Asia, generating significant tourism interest and deepening Indo-Korean spiritual connections.
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The Expo opened with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting attended by Ms. Ananya Agarwal, IFS (2013), First Secretary and Head of Chancery, Embassy of India, Seoul, alongside the Uttar Pradesh Tourism representative.
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They joined His Holiness Jinwoo Sunim, President of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, and abbots of leading temples under the Jogye Order. The inauguration symbolised the enduring spiritual bond between India and Korea, rooted in the timeless teachings of Lord Buddha and centuries of cultural exchange.
Throughout the event, Uttar Pradesh Tourism showcased its unmatched Buddhist heritage, from the sacred grounds of Sarnath and Kushinagar to the historic landscapes of Shravasti, Sankisa, and Kapilvastu (Piprahwa). The pavilion became a hub of engagement, offering immersive storytelling, cultural displays, and symbolic offerings such as Buddha Rice, sparking conversations on shared traditions and values.
The platform was also used to highlight Uttar Pradesh’s ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and visitor facilities at its Buddhist destinations. Initiatives such as improved connectivity and upgraded amenities resonated strongly with Korean monastic leaders and cultural delegations, many of whom expressed keen interest in organising pilgrimages to the state.
A key highlight was a meeting between the Uttar Pradesh Tourism representative and Mr. Jung Wonju, President of the Lay Buddhist Association of the Jogye Order. Discussions focused on the Jogye Order’s role in promoting Buddhist pilgrimage to India. Ayodhya also featured prominently, with Korean visitors showing interest in the city’s historical ties through the legend of Princess Suriratna, known as Queen Heo Hwang-ok.
As a direct outcome of these engagements, over a thousand Korean visitors are expected to travel to Uttar Pradesh’s Buddhist circuit between October 2025 and February 2026. This will include a major delegation of around 500 pilgrims from January 22 to 27, 2026, followed by several smaller groups in the subsequent months.
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said on Monday that Uttar Pradesh is not only promoting its destinations but also building bridges of faith, culture, and friendship that will inspire generations.
“Our vision is to welcome the world to the land where the Buddha’s journey began, offering transformative experiences that combine heritage with hospitality,” he noted.
Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism, Mukesh Kumar Meshram, added that the Busan Expo has reinforced Uttar Pradesh’s position as a global centre for Buddhist spirituality and that the relationships formed at the event will attract more visitors seeking peace, compassion, and wisdom.
With the successful conclusion of the Busan International Buddhism Expo 2025, Uttar Pradesh Tourism has strengthened ties with Korea’s Buddhist community and laid a strong foundation for increased international arrivals—continuing to serve as a living gateway to the life and teachings of Lord Buddha.
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