Young South Koreans Are Embracing Buddhism Like Never Before
An increasing number of young South Koreans are turning to Buddhism — not just through temple stays, but also via modern cultural experiences that blend tradition with a contemporary twist.
On May 5, major temples across South Korea celebrated Buddha’s Birthday, marking the 2,569th anniversary of his birth. At Yeonhwa Temple in Dongdaemun District, eastern Seoul, around 30 people — many in their 20s and 30s — lined up outside a pop-up temple café. Every seat inside was taken.
This marks the second year Yeonhwa Temple has opened a café to mark the occasion. The shop offers themed drinks like the “Lotus Latte,” topped with chocolate shaped like lotus flowers, merging Buddhist symbolism with café culture.
“There’s something both novel and comforting about the Buddhist theme,” said Park Hyeon-min, a 30-year-old office worker. Kim Su-jeong, a 26-year-old university student, added, “I found out about the café on social media. It was my first time visiting a temple. I’ve been stressed about job hunting, but I feel much more at peace now.”
Yeonhwa’s efforts are part of a broader trend. Across the country, Buddhist organizations are actively working to make their teachings more accessible and relatable — and young Koreans are responding positively.
In Seoul’s upscale Gangnam district, the organizers of the 2025 Seoul International Buddhism Expo reported a surge in participation from Millennials and Gen Z. Among nearly 43,000 registered attendees, 76% were in their 20s and 30s.
Overnight temple stays — once considered niche — have now become a popular getaway among younger Koreans. According to the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism, affiliated with the country’s largest Buddhist order, Jogye, a record 617,000 people took part in temple stay programs last year. That’s 52 times more than when the program began in 2002.
On April 18–19, Jogye’s Social Welfare Foundation hosted a special program titled “I’m Going to the Temple.” More than 1,300 people signed up to spend two days and one night at Ssanggye Temple in South Gyeongsang Province, with over 50 applicants competing for each available slot.
“The image of temples is shifting — they’re becoming sanctuaries where young people can unwind and find clarity,” said Venerable Myojang, head of the Jogye Foundation. “To past generations, Buddhism felt old and out of touch. But now, young Koreans are discovering it in ways that feel meaningful and approachable.”
Buddhism’s appeal lies in its open-minded and tolerant spirit, which resonates with Millennials and Gen Z — generations that value personal freedom, said Kyung Hee University sociology professor Song Jae-ryong. “In a world full of uncertainties about jobs and the future, Buddhism helps people look inward for answers.”
(Source: JoongAng Ilbo, Korea Times)
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