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"The Most Delightful Mindfulness Practice in Everyday Life": 2026 Busan International Buddhism Expo Opens

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Busan Metropolitan City, led by Mayor Chun Jae-soo, announced that the 2026 Busan International Buddhism Expo (hereinafter referred to as the "Expo") will be held for four days from today (August 6) through August 9 at Exhibition Hall 1 of BEXCO.

Now in its third year, the Expo adopts the theme "Form Is Emptiness, Emptiness Is Form: The O-Play You Love," reinterpreting the core teachings of the Heart Sutra through a contemporary perspective to present a variety of cultural content that enables visitors to experience the concept of emptiness in an accessible and engaging way.

Rather than presenting Buddhist philosophy as a difficult or solemn religious concept, the Expo's defining feature is its reinterpretation of Buddhism through a new cultural concept called "O-Play," combining exhibitions, hands-on experiences, art, culture, design, and lifestyle.

The Expo was first launched in 2024, and last year's event, themed "Buddhism Core," attracted approximately 100,000 visitors.

One of the Expo's greatest strengths is its expansion of Buddhist culture beyond the boundaries of religion into lifestyle content that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Through meditation and Seon, traditional arts, temple cuisine, crafts, design, and lifestyle goods, the Expo reinterprets the Buddhist values of healing and coexistence within contemporary daily life.

In particular, the Expo has significantly expanded its interactive programs and experiential content so that younger generations, families, and international visitors alike can participate, creating a cultural festival for people of all ages.

The signature attraction of this year's Expo is the themed exhibition "O-Play," which reimagines the Buddhist concept of emptiness through a contemporary lens.

The popular "Drawing Emptiness" and "Collecting Emptiness" programs, which received enthusiastic responses at the Seoul International Buddhism Expo and the Korea Buddhist Culture Expo, will also be introduced in Busan.

Visitors can use "Bulbak Coins" to draw an "Emptiness Ball" containing messages of enlightenment, good fortune, or mindfulness. They may also participate in activities such as question-and-answer missions with Buddhist monks and lucky ball exchange events.

Another featured experience is the "Collecting Emptiness Project," an interactive public art program in which visitors write their personal wishes on a ball and place it in a dedicated collection installation, allowing them to participate directly rather than simply viewing the exhibition.

The Expo will also feature the special exhibition "Hall of Fortune," showcasing messages of hope from Buddhist monks as well as leading figures from the cultural, artistic, and sports communities, offering visitors words of comfort and encouragement.

Mayor Chun Jae-soo said, "We hope this Expo will successfully carry forward the values of traditional culture in a contemporary way while establishing itself as an open cultural festival where all citizens can connect and participate together, further enhancing Busan's cultural stature."

He added, "I hope the Expo will provide both residents and visitors with a valuable opportunity to clear their minds, reflect on their lives, and share meaningful experiences that transcend generations and religious backgrounds."