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| yna@yna.co.kr 2026-04-06 11:06:43
SEOUL, April 6 (Yonhap) -- About 250,000 people visited the "2026 Seoul International Buddhist Expo" over four days, marking a record high attendance, the event’s secretariat said Monday.
The figure surpasses last year’s turnout of around 200,000, making it the largest crowd since the expo was launched. This year marked its 14th edition.
Due to higher-than-expected turnout and longer visitor stays at the venue, organizers halted on-site registration starting the morning of the third day for safety reasons, operating primarily with pre-registered attendees.
The secretariat said visitors in their 20s and 30s accounted for 73 percent of the total, while 48 percent had no religious affiliation, maintaining a similar ratio to last year.
It said the figures show the expo has established itself as an urban cultural and lifestyle festival centered on traditional Buddhist culture.
In response to strong demand and crowding this year, organizers plan to double the exhibition space and significantly expand visitor pathways and rest areas starting next year.
Popular programs from this year’s expo, including "Empty Play" and the "Heart Sutra Gong Party," will continue at the Daegu Buddhist Expo from June 11 to 14 and the Busan International Buddhist Expo from Aug. 6 to 9.
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