Embassy of India

Seoul

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Celebration of 9th International Day of Yoga in the Republic of Korea

PRESS RELEASE

1. The Embassy of India, Seoul celebrated the 9th International Day of Yoga (IDoY) at the iconic Olympic Park (Peace Plaza) in Seoul on June 17.

2. The event organized in collaboration with the Korea Yoga Association and local partners witnessed a remarkable turnout bringing together over 600 yoga enthusiasts and practitioners from various walks of life embracing the spirit of yoga. The celebration featured a series of engaging activities including common yoga protocol, yoga demonstrations and meditation sessions conducted by experienced yoga instructors.

3. Ambassador of India Amit Kumar in his remarks conveyed his gratitude for the overwhelming response to the event and highlighted the transformative power of yoga in fostering physical and mental well-being. He emphasized the role of yoga as a practice that has transcended borders and unites individuals in their pursuit of healthier and harmonious lifestyles, and drew attention to the theme of this year’s IDoY celebration - ‘Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbhkam’ or ‘Yoga for the World as one Family’.

4. Ambassador Kumar also referred to the UN International Year of Millets 2023, and importance of millets in contributing to our collective efforts to promote healthy and sustainable living.

5. President of Korea Yoga Association (KYA) Yoon Woo-geun in his remarks said that KYA is fulfilling its mission to improve the health of people through Yoga. Yoga starts with meditation and ends with meditation, but at the same time helps build the most basic muscles of the body. He mentioned that yoga originated in India, and that the UN Secretary General was a Korean (H.E. Ban Ki-moon) when the IDoY was adopted by the United Nations. Noting that this year's IDoY events will be held in various cities, he added “let's hold the events nationwide to mark the 50th Anniversary of India-Republic of Korea diplomatic relations.

6. The dignitaries included Ambassadors for IDoY 2023, Ms. Chung Ae-rie, renowned actress, (who also conducted a Yoga session at the event); Mr. Kim Tae-hoon, popular columnist; Dr. Won Jeong-hye, Professor Seo Jong-soon from Wonkwang Digital University, who pioneered Yoga Studies in South Korea. Members of diplomatic corps including Ambassadors of Bangladesh, Iran and Malaysia and their families joined the event.

7. Congratulatory Messages were received from several dignitaries. These included:

  • People Power Party Chairman Mr. Kim Gi-hyeon, who stated that in an era marked by mental impoverishment, the significance of yoga continues to grow, and conveyed his support for yoga practitioners who exert a positive influence on the world and inspire others through their practice.
  • Democratic Party Chairman Mr. Lee Jae-myung, who mentioned that Yoga has gained immense popularity worldwide and millions of people incorporate yoga into their daily routines to enhance their physical and mental well-being.
  • President of Korea Olympic Committee Mr. Lee Kee-heung, who said that the Olympic Committee is fully committed to ensuring that everyone can experience happiness and good health including through sports and the practice of yoga.

8. The serene ambience of Olympic Park provided the perfect setting for participants to immerse themselves in yoga practices and experience the rejuvenating effects firsthand. More than 20 booths were set up at the venue by local yoga organisations. Embassy of India, Seoul had also set up booths to promote Yoga and the International Year of Millets. 
9. The IDoY events are also scheduled to celebrate the shared heritage of Yoga in Jeju (21 June), Busan (23 June), and Gwangju (24 June). One event was held in Gurye on 10 June.
10. The International Day of Yoga, designated by the United Nations, is celebrated globally on June 21 each year to promote about the practice of Yoga that deals with an individual’s physical, mental, and spiritual in a holistic manner. 
11. This year's celebration held special significance as India and the Republic of Korea, two friendly countries with millennia old civilizational connect, also commemorate 50 years of establishment of their diplomatic relations in 2023.

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June 18, 2023 Seoul