Seoul, South Korea — Bongeunsa Temple, a thousand-year-old temple nestled in the heart of Seoul, is set to host the 2026 Patriotic Buddhism Cultural Festa from November 14 to 15.

Organized by the Seon Meditation Counseling Research Institute and sponsored by Bongeunsa Temple and the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the two-day festival aims to honor the patriotic spirit and dedication of historic monk-soldiers like Grand Masters Seosan and Samyeong, while sharing Buddhist values of compassion and peace through arts and interactive programs.

Celebrating History and Traditional Arts

The festival opens on November 14 under the theme "Opening the Gate to Peace." The opening ceremony will feature a traditional gilnori (street parade) by the Bongeunsa Pungmuldan, a tea-offering ritual (heondarye), and a ceremonial dance.

Highlights of the opening day include a Dharma talk by Bongeunsa's Chief Abbot, Seoksan, and a tea-meditation demonstration by the Myungwon Cultural Foundation. Visitors can also enjoy diverse cultural performances, including Seodo folk songs, creative traditional music, traditional magic acts, seungmu (monk's dance), and seonmudo (Zen martial arts).

The second day, November 15, will run under the theme "Echoes of Patriotism, Melodies of Peace." Performances will feature the Yukbeop offering, traditional tea demonstrations, and a sword dance by the Seocho Sejong Arts Troupe. Renowned master vocalist Kim Jung-min and the world-famous Kim Duk-soo Samulnori troupe are scheduled to captivate audiences with the dynamic energy and rhythm of traditional Korean percussion and arts.

Immersive Programs and Exhibitions

In addition to the stage performances, a wide array of hands-on programs will be available for visitors of all ages, including families and international tourists:

Meditation and Tea Culture: Attendees can practice Seon (Zen) meditation to find inner peace, and experience traditional Korean tea culture through its aromas and warmth.
Hands-on Craft Booths: Six interactive programs will be offered, including making prayer bead bracelets, designing eco-bags with Buddhist motifs, crafting mini lotus lanterns, drawing monk-soldiers, applying patriotic and Buddhist tattoo stickers, and assembling patriotic block keychains.
Special Historical Exhibition: Running throughout the event, this exhibition highlights the footsteps of prominent patriotic monk-leaders such as Seosan and Samyeong. It sheds light on Bongeunsa's role in Buddhist revival, the activities of monk-soldiers during historical conflicts like the Imjin War, and efforts to restore the livelihoods of citizens afterward.

The 2026 Patriotic Buddhism Cultural Festa will take place daily from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM across the Bongeunsa Temple grounds. Organizers hope the event will serve as a welcoming cultural exchange that bridges history, art, and modern wellness while spreading messages of community harmony and peace.

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