Not long ago, I visited the 2025 Buddhist Expo in Seoul on its final day—and was met with a surprising scene: hundreds of people lined up, patiently waiting to get in. Most of them? The MZ Generation (Millennials and Gen Z).
There’s a phrase going around among young Koreans these days:
“Buddhism does all the cool stuff now.”
And it’s not just a meme. A recent performance by an entertainer nicknamed “NewJeans-nim”—a play on the popular K-pop group—featured a Buddhist monk DJ-ing at a Jogye Order event. The performance made headlines, blending pop culture with ancient tradition and leaving audiences stunned and intrigued.
In the past, Buddhism in Korea was often seen as something reserved for grandmothers—a tradition steeped in rituals and wish-fulfilling beliefs. But that image is changing fast. Today’s Buddhism is finding a simpler, more accessible language, focusing on meditation, mindfulness, and personal awakening rather than rigid forms.
Gen Z is loving it. These hip, witty Buddhist messages are striking a chord:
- 극락도 락이다 (Nirvana is a vibe)
- 부처 is You (Buddha is You)
- 깨닫다 (Awaken)
- 응 수행정진하면 돼 (Yes, just keep practicing)
The expo reflected this shift beautifully.
There were booths filled with Buddhist artworks, crafts, meditation experiences, tea, incense, monastic robes, and even vegan snacks. Everywhere, monks with clear, serene faces and gentle eyes welcomed visitors—a quiet reminder of the inner peace that Buddhism represents.
What was most delightful, though, was watching the MZ visitors. Many were genuinely fascinated, purchasing souvenirs, t-shirts with Buddhist messages, and thoughtfully designed items that blended spiritual meaning with stylish aesthetics.
It’s clear that Korean Buddhism is no longer just a tradition of the past—
It’s evolving into a modern cultural movement, one that speaks to younger generations through design, message, and mindful living.
At ArtlierJib, we’re inspired by this shift. We hope to continue sharing stories and crafts that honor this harmony between heritage and contemporary life
Source: https://mbiz.heraldcorp.com/article/3390188
Source: https://www.ibulgyo.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=424477
Source: https://www.ibulgyo.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=41379
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