The 2026 Seoul International Buddhist Expo concluded successfully at COEX in Seoul after a four-day run from April 2 to 5. Held under the theme of “Form Is Emptiness, Emptiness Is Form — Play With Emptiness in Your Own Way,” the Expo attracted 250,000 visitors, representing a significant increase from last year’s attendance of 200,000. Most visitors were young, with the MZ generation accounting for 73%, and 48% of visitors were non-religious. Once again, the Expo proved to be one of the trendiest festivals of our time, transcending religious and generational differences.

The 2026 Seoul International Buddhist Expo presented a spectacle never seen before. From the morning of day one, lines stretching hundreds of meters formed as people waited to enter. The area inside and outside of COEX Hall B, where the expo was held, was packed with thousands of people. On April 4, the third day of the expo, visitor numbers surged dramatically, leading to the early closure of pre-registration and the suspension of on-site registration. Ultimately, the organizing committee closed on-site registration ahead of schedule, even though half of the expo period remained.

With the explosion in visitor numbers, participating booths became fully booked. Brands like Babantu, Haetal Company, and Yeongcheon Moktak—which had generated significant buzz on social media—sold out of T-shirts, pants, and keychains within an hour of opening and were scrambling to order additional stock. The Jogye Order’s Doban HC, featuring its “Lower-Body Buddha” character, and its Dharma Propagation Bureau, which offered a unique “monastic counseling” experience, also drove the popularity of “Hip Buddhism.” The “Heart Sutra Party” night performance held at the One-pillar Gate of Bongeunsa Temple on April 2 and 3 featured rapper Woo Won-jae and DJ Soda, who presented a performance blending the Heart Sutra with hip-hop and DJing, sparking online reactions such as, “Is this really a Buddhist expo?”

Ven. Wonheo, president of the Buddhist Newspaper and organizer of the Seoul International Buddhist Expo, said, “The true success of this expo lies in the fact that more than half of the visitors were from the younger generation.” He added, “We recognize that tradition is not a fossilized past, but rather a living entity that is constantly transforming. We will serve as a bridge to ensure that traditional culture evolves into a thriving future industry.”

Due to this year's overwhelming demand and overcrowding, the organizing committee plans to double the exhibition space for next year's Seoul International Buddhist Expo. Other improvements will also be implemented, such as expanding visitor pathways and rest areas. Furthermore, the organizers announced that they will accelerate preparations for the “Korea Buddhist Culture Expo,” opening on June 11 at Daegu EXCO, and the “Busan International Buddhist Expo,” taking place in August at Busan BEXCO, to ensure the safety and convenience of visitors.