South Korea's Jogye Order Modernizes Buddhism To Reach Gen Z
Buddhism Goes Hip in South Korea
REPORTER:
In South Korea, an aging population and falling birth rates are giving rise to a more secular society. And more and more South Koreans now say they don’t follow any religion.
REPORTER:
But the Jogye Order, the country’s largest Buddhist sect, is adapting by making the faith more hip. It’s wooing Gen Z with trendy merchandise, festivals, fashion, robots and DJs.
REPORTER:
The headquarters of the Jogye Order is the Jogyesa, a temple in Seoul, which now features a fashionable gift shop filled with trendy art and merchandise. Named Buddhz, the gift shop’s name literally means “Buddha Goods.”
Ven. Myojang (SPOKESPERSON, JOGYE ORDER):
We are currently in a time where people are slowly drifting away from religion. The way younger generations engage with religion is also changing. Thus, we've tried to communicate in a way that resonates with them.
REPORTER:
The order even held a procession with four humanoid robots clad in monks’ robes during Seoul's annual Lotus Lantern Festival in May. But not everyone embraces the trend.
REPORTER:
According to an AFP report, some foreign visitors say the trend seems a lot more commercialized than they expected. Another visitor says it could be “seen as disrespectful.”
REPORTER:
The order, though, says it isn't going all in, and explains why they remain cautious.
Ven. Myojang (SPOKESPERSON, JOGYE ORDER):
Young people have shown a great deal of attention [in hip Buddhism], but we are currently in a monitoring phase. We intend to be cautious and wary of content created by those who lack an understanding of Buddhism.
REPORTER:
Buddhism accounts for only 16 percent of religious affiliation in South Korea. However, hip Buddhism has attracted big numbers to religiously themed exhibitions and music festivals, as well as temple stays, boosting tourism.
REPORTER:
Some critics though worry that a religion defined by non-attachment to worldly possessions could become tainted by consumerism and that Buddhism’s teachings will be lost among the robots and the raves.
