Venerable Jinwoo, President of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, introduced Korea’s traditional Buddhist culture to the spouses of APEC leaders, including First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, emphasizing the values of oneness and the practice of compassion.

This special cultural event, hosted by First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, was held on October 31 at Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju, just one day before the closing of the APEC summit. Under the theme “Bridging Time, Connecting Hearts Through Culture,” the event was attended by the following APEC leaders’ companions: Diana Fox Carney, spouse of the Canadian representative, Amanda Luxon, spouse of the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Louise Araneta-Marcos, spouse of the President of the Philippines, Loo Tze Lui, spouse of the Prime Minister of Singapore, Lin Wen-hsuan, daughter of the Taiwanese representative, and Thananon Niramitr, spouse of the Prime Minister of Thailand.

In his remarks, Venerable Jinwoo stated, “When we awaken to the sense of unity through Seon meditation, which calms the mind, we come to realize that the self and others are not separate. In that moment, compassion naturally arises within. When this compassion spreads, our communities, nations, and the world can live together in peace.”

He also added, “I believe that today's encounter will serve as a meaningful beginning not only for inner peace but also for global harmony.”