By V. Sivaji
The Seoul International Buddhism Expo (BEXPO) 2019 will be held at the Seoul Trade Exhibition & Convention (SETEC) from November 14 to 17.
Some 70,000 people from Asia, Europe and North America. The theme for this year is “Pause: Breathe in, Breathe out”.
The event will feature conferences and speakers led by internationally renowned Buddhism experts,
The event will showcase some 417 booths and 327 exhibitors. Participants countries are from Canada, USA, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar to name a few.
“We expect our Expo to be a chance for the Buddhist industry to grow and communicate with the public, allowing more people to feel the essence of traditional Buddhist industry and culture,” said Wonhaeng, Chairman of 2019 Seoul International Buddhism Expo and the Executive Chief of Korean Buddhist Jogye Order.
The Jogye Order, which is the key sponsor and organiser of this seventh annual event, represents the largest segment of South Korea’s Buddhist population, administering about 1,900 active temples with more than 13,000 monks and nuns who lead seven million followers nationwide.
“The spiritual cultural heritage and method of practicing Korean Buddhism, like meditation, is one of the best mental and cultural gems that Korea can present to the world, ” said Hong Seung-do, Secretary General of the Expo.
He said the Expo provides a fertile ground for the exchange and development of the global Buddhist industry.
“The Expo showcases the diversity of the Buddhism industry which is a significant cultural component in South Korea that dates back to some 1,700 years ago,” said Ajung Kim, a Vancouver-based filmmaker,
“We have always been striving to share these cultural practices and messages with global audiences,” said Kim, who is in charge of Global Business Development for Mind Design Inc. which has been working with the Seoul International Buddhism Expo committee, since its inception.
“In North America, there is a growing number of people who are adopting the Buddhist meditation and mindful lifestyle, incorporating them in science, medical discoveries and technological innovations.
“We also hope to bring components of the Seoul International Buddhism Expo to Canada soon,” added Kim.
Other than traditional Buddhism craft products, tea, arts, décor and sculpture, the Expo will also feature Temple Food, Table in Nature and and Mananim Recipe of Seoul.
Temple food refers to the cuisine of Buddhist monks and nuns and is considered as one of the ways to exercise the teachings of Buddha.
They do not use meat, fish or any artificial flavor enhancers.
Five pungent herbs called oshinchae, green onion, garlic, leek, chive, and wild chive are not allowed in the creation of Temple Food. Practitioners use only seasonal vegetables and soybean paste or soy sauce made by themselves at temples.
For more information, please visit the website bexpo.kr.