On October 24, 2024(2568 BE), the Cultural Affairs Department of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism held the awards and closing ceremony for the 2024 Buddhist Culture Expo at the Traditional Culture Performance Hall of the Korean Buddhist History and Culture Memorial Hall.

This year marking its fifth celebration, the event will feature “Buddhist Culture Week” from Oct. 17 to 24. Activities include the Buddhist Photo Exhibition, a screening of newly released movie “Mun-gyeong”, the Buddhist Cultural Club Festival, the Buddhist Cultural Organization Gala Show, the 24th Modern Buddhist Literature Awards ceremony, a Buddhist play, and a concert by the Buddhist Music Institute.

The closing ceremony also incorporated several award ceremonies, including the 32nd Buddhist Media Awards, the 21st Buddhist Publishing Awards, the 11th New Buddhist Hymn Composition Awards, the 7th Buddhist Music Awards, and the Buddhist Art Award.

In his congratulatory speech, Venerable Jinwoo, President of the Jogye Order, stated, “It must have been a profound challenge for Buddhist artists to express the teachings of Buddhism, which has brought diverse cultures and arts into life over thousands of years. This creative contemplation and effort have given birth to radiant Buddhist cultural arts that continue to be passed down to this day.”

He added, “I hope that the Buddhist Culture Expo will continue to provide a platform for Buddhist artists to showcase their talents. Furthermore, I encourage each field in Buddhism to harness the teachings of the Buddha to foster innovative ideas and creativity, offering a vision for the emerging era.”