The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism (led by President the Most. Venerable Jinwoo) will host the 2024 Korea-U.S. Traditional Buddhist Cultural Exchange in New York from Saturday,, October 5 to Sunday, October 13, based on U.S. local time(EST).

This event is the first global showcase of Seon Meditation, which is based on Korea’s traditional Buddhist practice of Ganhwaseon. Seon Meditation serves as a practical method for people worldwide to maintain inner peace in uncertain times, embodying the idea of “quiet reflection and calming the mind.” the Most. Venerable Jinwoo, President of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism will give a special lecture on Seon Meditation and mental well-being to students at Yale University on Thursday, October 10. During the lecture, he will lead the students in a brief five-minute Seon Meditation to pause and reflect on their inner selves.

In New York, discussions with prominent scholars will further emphasize the importance of Seon Meditation. the Most. Venerable Jinwoo will introduce Seon Meditation through a dialogue with Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, the developer of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), exploring its commonalities with modern mindfulness practices. Additionally, a conversation with Dr. Menas Kafatos, an expert in quantum physics, will explore the intersection of science and Buddhism.

The event will also include a visit to the UN Headquarters, where the Most. Venerable Jinwoo will propose the establishment of "World Meditation Day" to address global mental health issues. This proposal was adopted at the International Seon Meditation Summit held from Saturday, September 28 to Tuesday, October 1 (Korean time), attended by renowned meditation leaders such as Roshi Joan Halifax, Thupten Jinpa, Chade-Meng Tan,  Jigme Trinley Rinpoche, and Venerable Phap Luu. The proposal highlights that meditation is a peace movement that transcends religious boundaries and can help resolve global conflicts, making it fitting for the UN, whose mission includes global peace, to designate World Meditation Day.

In addition to Seon Meditation, the event will feature various aspects of Korean Buddhism, which has a history spanning over 1,700 years. Events include the 2024 Korean Festival on October 5, the "Contemplation of Light" exhibition of traditional lanterns from the Yeondeunghoe (Lotus Lantern Festival) at the Korean Cultural Center from Monday, October 7 to Saturday, October 12, a photo exhibition titled "Embodying a Millennium of Time", and a visit to honor Korean War veterans. Temple Stay, which has attracted over two million international participants, is another highlight, reflecting Korea's cultural essence. On Friday, October 11, Venerable Jeong-kwan will present traditional Korean temple cuisine at Gotham Hall to prominent local figures, sharing the wisdom of Korean Buddhist practitioners.

On Sunday, October 13, a ceremony will be held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of Wonkaksa Temple (led by Venerable Jigwang), located at 260 Clove Road, Salisbury, New York. Wonkaksa, the largest temple in the eastern U.S., was built in traditional Korean architectural style on over 30 hectares (approximately 1,057,850㎡) of land. The temple has been actively promoting Korean Buddhism in the U.S. and plans to offer a variety of programs, including Temple Stay, to provide opportunities for locals to experience Korean Buddhist culture.