On December 2, the Social Affairs Office of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism (Director Ven. Jinseong) held its third International Exchange Committee meeting to discuss key project plans for 2026. Attendees included Ven. Jinseong, the director of the Social Affairs Office and committee chair; committee members Vens. Jeongbeom, Munjong, Gyeongwan, Wongeol, Junhan, Jaheon, and Hyeun. Also in attendance were the Asian Subcommittee members, Vens. Lieu Hieu (Vietnam), Hui-ho (Taiwan), and Bojeong (Mongolia), and Ven. Seonil, the vice-director of the Social Affairs Office. At this meeting, the International Team of the Social Affairs Office presented its policy for 2026: to represent Korean Buddhism through participation in international conferences and exchanges with international organizations; to host and support overseas events; and to strengthen the standing of Korean Buddhism and the Jogye Order within the global Buddhist community.

First, the 26th Korea-China-Japan Buddhist Friendship Exchange Conference will be held in Korea in October 2026. Accordingly, preparatory meetings will be held starting in the first half of the year, followed by thorough preparations. This conference is a major international Buddhist event, with its first conference held in Beijing, China in 1995. The Buddhist communities of China, Korea, and Japan take turn to host the event annually. The 25th conference took place in Beijing, China, last October.

The committee will also participate in numerous international exchange events, which include the 2nd Global Buddhist Summit in India from January 24 to 25, and the 2025 UN Vesak Day Celebration held in China from May 26 to 28. In June, the committee will visit Japan to attend the 43rd Korea-Japan Buddhist Cultural Exchange Conference. In September, Harvard University in the United States will host an exhibition of artworks and a lecture by the Supreme Patriarch of the Jogye Order, Master Seongpa, titled “Globalization of Korean Buddhism.”

The meeting proceeded with reports from the venerables serving on the Asia Subcommittee regarding the current state of Buddhism and exchange activities in Mongolia, Taiwan, and Vietnam. They also presented 2025 financial report and key schedules for 2026.