Jingwansa Temple holds Gukhaeng Suryukjae ritual

Jingwansa Temple in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, concluded the 2026 Gukhaeng Suryukjae, a National Intangible Cultural Heritage ritual. Held under the theme ‘The Whole World is One Family,’ the ceremony aimed to promote peace, coexistence, and harmony across religious, generational, and national boundaries.

The ritual, which has a 628-year history dating back to the reign of King Taejo of the Joseon Dynasty, is a traditional Buddhist rite designed to comfort all souls who have passed away on land or in water, regardless of their background. The 49-day event concluded with final ceremonies on October 24 and 25.

Attendees included various religious and political figures, such as Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and the Swiss Ambassador to Korea. A notable highlight of this year's event was a collaborative performance featuring monks, nuns, youth, international students, and various public service professionals, including nurses, soldiers, and firefighters, singing together to symbolize unity.