The 2026 Busan International Buddhism Expo is scheduled to take place from August 6 to 9 at Hall 3 of Exhibition Center 1, BEXCO, in Busan, South Korea. Under the theme "Form Is Emptiness, Emptiness Is Form – Play Beyond Ball," the expo transforms core Buddhist philosophy into engaging, hands-on experiences for a diverse global audience.
This year's theme creatively reinterprets one of Buddhism's central teachings—that form and emptiness are inseparable—through the Korean word "gong," which means both "emptiness" and "ball." By transforming Buddhist philosophy into playful, participatory experiences, the expo invites visitors to explore Buddhist culture intuitively—through moments of enjoyment, letting go, and renewal.
The exhibition consists of three main sections: the Meditation Culture & Craft Exhibition, the Meditation Art Exhibition, and the Temple Food Exhibition.
The Meditation Culture & Craft Exhibition showcases Buddhist crafts, architecture, monastic robes, tea culture, cultural products, and meditation traditions that bridge heritage and contemporary life. The Meditation Art Exhibition features works by artists and organizations from the Busan and Gyeongnam region, ranging from traditional Buddhist art—including statues, paintings, and dancheong (traditional decorative temple painting)—to contemporary interpretations inspired by Seon Buddhism and meditation. The Temple Food Exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to experience Korean Buddhist culinary traditions through temple cuisine, barugongyang (traditional monastic communal dining), and a variety of vegan and wellness-focused foods.
The expo also features several signature interactive experiences. In the Ball-Draw & Ball-Collection event, visitors complete simple on-site missions to earn coins, which they exchange to draw a ball containing an inspirational message. Some messages lead to a special opportunity to engage in a question-and-answer session with a Buddhist monk. Visitors then write a personal aspiration on a ball, seal it, and place it in a collection box, collectively creating a participatory public art installation.
Another featured program, the Four Noble Truths Stamp Tour, is inspired by one of Buddhism's foundational teachings. Visitors who collect stamps from at least three of the nine participating temple booths receive a commemorative gift while naturally discovering the diversity of Korean temples and Buddhist culture.
Throughout the four-day event, the stage program brings together meditation, Buddhist practice, and cultural performances. Daily highlights include 108 prostration practice led by monks from BBS Busan Buddhist Broadcasting, the English-language dharma talk "Introducing Myself – How and Why I Became a Monk," singing bowl meditation sessions, and fusion Korean traditional music performances inspired by meditation. Visitors can also enjoy temple cuisine demonstrations by Venerable Seonjae, a renowned master of Korean temple food, as well as performances by children's and youth choirs, offering a vibrant introduction to the many dimensions of Korean Buddhist culture.
With the global popularity of K-culture driving growing interest in Korean traditional culture, meditation, and wellness, the event aims to serve as a vibrant platform for cultural exchange by introducing Korean Buddhist culture to international audiences.
International visitors will enjoy free admission. The official website is available in English, Japanese, and Chinese, while English-language promotional materials will be shared through tourist information centers, hotels, schools, and cultural venues throughout Busan. Held at BEXCO, the expo will be easily accessible via the Busan Metro and Gimhae International Airport, providing convenient access for visitors from home and abroad.
For more information about the 2026 Busan International Buddhism Expo, please visit www.busanbexpo.kr or contact the Seoul Office at +82-2-2231-2013.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260804987217/en/
Media gallery
