NGMA hosts exhibition on Korea’s traditional Buddhist culture in India

Team L&M

The National Gallery of Modern Art is hosting a special exhibition titled An Encounter with Korea Traditional Buddhist Culture in India, the Land of Buddha. The exhibition has been jointly organised by Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Korean Cultural Centre India, and the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.

One can see the media art of Buddhist painting scrolls called Gwae Bul, a symbol of traditional Korean Buddhist rituals, .Korean traditional lanterns of Yeondeunghoe, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and various photo works with the theme of temple stay.

Through this exhibition Korea is introducing India to its traditional Buddhist culture, which has received widespread international attention. The exhibition will have various experience programs such as painting Korean cultural items, experiencing Korean Buddhist scriptures inking, and making lotus lanterns.

Talking about the show, Korean Ambassador to India Chang Jae Bok said, “In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and India, the Buddhism and Buddhist cultural exchange program, which can be the foundation of the special strategic partnership between Korea and India, has a special meaning. Since Buddhism and Buddhist culture were introduced to Korea in the 4th century, they have been an indispensable core part when talking about the Korean way of life, way of t

Says President Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism Ven. Jinwoo, “Upon greeting year 2023, the 50th anniversary of official diplomatic relations between South Korea and India, I am deeply delighted to attend these cultural exchange events to celebrate the two countries’ connections. We have prepared content so viewers can more vividly sense Korean Buddhism’s 1,700-year history, steeped in compassion and peace based on the Buddha’s teachings that was introduced from India.’ I hope this cultural exchange exhibition provides you the opportunity to immerse yourselves in the charm and essence of Korean Buddhism. I further pray for the great advancement of friendship between our two countries from these events.

Kumar Tuhin, Director General, ICCR opines that the exhibition highlights the Buddhist connection between India and Korea and the importance and significance to people to people contact between the two nations.

In addition to the exhibition, Korean temple food demonstration and experience event by Venerable Jeong Kwan, a master of Korean temple food will be held at Korean Cultural Centre India on 25th March (Saturday) at 11 am. In accordance with the teachings of Buddha who respected life, Korean temple food has preserved vegetarian food traditionally and it has formed one of the roots of Korean traditional food. It will be the first time for this Korean temple food to be introduced to the Indian public.

The exhibition will remain open till April 30