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| From left, Nabi Joy CEO Joy Kim, columnist Kim Tae-hoon, actor Chung Ae-rie, Indian Ambassador to Korea Amit Kumar and Korea Yoga Association President Yoon Woo-geun pose during a media event announcing the ninth International Yoga Day celebrations in Korea at the embassy's cultural center in central Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of Embassy of India in Korea |
By Kwon Mee-yoo
Originating in India primarily as a spiritual practice, yoga has become popular in Korea as a way of harmonizing physical health and spiritual wellness.
The celebrations for International Yoga Day, which falls on June 21 and promotes worldwide health, harmony and peace, returns to Korea with over 2,000 people gathering in Seoul Olympic Park to practice outdoors after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
Ambassador of India to Korea Amit Kumar highlighted the relevance of yoga in contemporary life to deal with to escalating stress levels and illnesses.
"During the COVID-19 pandemic, the practice of Yoga also helped address issues relating to mental anxiety and mental health. Yoga today is therefore a strong aspect of preventive health care frameworks in several countries around the world," Kumar said during a press event, Monday, announcing the 2023 International Yoga Day events in Korea at the embassy's cultural center in central Seoul.
"This year's International Day of Yoga celebrations are even more special as India and the Republic of Korea, two friendly countries with two millennia old civilizational connect, commemorate 50 years of the establishment of our diplomatic relations in 2023."
International Yoga Day was designated in 2014 through a resolution proposed by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United Nations General Assembly.
"(Yoga) is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and nature," Modi said during his address at the U.N. General Assembly.
Yoon Wu-geun, president of the Korea Yoga Association, noted the connection between Korea and India in this matter, pointing out that Korean diplomat Ban Ki-moon was serving as the U.N. secretary-general when International Yoga Day was established.
This year, five International Yoga Day events will be held throughout Korea ― in Gurye, South Jeolla Province on June 10, Seoul on June 16, Jeju on June 21, Busan on June 23 and Gwangju on June 24 ― under the theme of "Brighten the World."
"On June 17, we will gather at the Olympic Park in Seoul, whose serene and tranquil environment provides an ideal setting for us to practice yoga and meditation. Surrounded by nature, we will have the opportunity to connect with our inner selves and foster a deeper connection with the world around us. We expect close to 2,000 people to join us at the event," Kumar said.
At the Seoul gathering, 10 yoga leaders, including actor Chung Ae-rie, who is also the honorary ambassador for Korea's ninth International Day of Yoga, will guide the outdoor practice, complete with a performance by the dancers of the Indian Cultural Centre, Korea.
"Today I am here as the honorary ambassador for International Yoga Day. I mustered the courage and completed a yoga instructor course, which led me to this position and I will be one of the instructors who will lead the event in Seoul," Chung said.
"Although I have practiced yoga for years, my true journey with yoga started about seven years ago when I fell ill. It was during my recovery period that I realized the importance of rest, which led me to the essence of yoga practice. In our fast-paced modern world, yoga provides a necessary pause, a moment to stand still."
Kim Tae-hoon, a popular culture columnist who was also named as the honorary ambassador of the ninth International Yoga Day, commented on the cultural influence of yoga.
"The Beatles' journey to India and their experience with yoga played a significant role in making yoga popular in the West. Among the members, it was George Harrison who showed the deepest interest and continued to practice yoga throughout his lifetime," he said.
"I too am intrigued by the meditative mindset that stems from the practice of yoga."
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