SEOUL, May 23 (AJP) - In Seoul on May 22, the Embassy of India and the Korea Yoga Association hosted a joint press conference to announce plans for this year’s 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY 2025), which also marks a decade since the first global celebration of the event in 2015.
The main celebration will take place at Gwanghwamun Square, one of South Korea’s most iconic public spaces. About 1,000 participants are expected to gather under this year’s slogan, "Discover Your AURA," and the theme, "Yoga for One Earth, One Health."
Organizers estimate that approximately 10 million South Koreans have practiced yoga at least once. Additional yoga programs are scheduled throughout June in Jeju, Busan, and Nami Island.
Indian Ambassador to South Korea Amit Kumar opened the briefing by reflecting on yoga’s long history and its expanding role in modern life. "Yoga is not just a physical exercise, it is a holistic approach to wellbeing," he said. "It encompasses various practices, including asanas or postures, pranayama or breathing techniques, and meditation."
He reminded the audience that yoga has been practiced in India for over 3,000 years and gained global recognition when it was added to UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list in 2016, following the UN’s adoption of June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014. "Yoga offers us a sanctuary, a space where we can reconnect with ourselves and find peace," the ambassador said, highlighting its relevance in addressing lifestyle-related diseases and its increasing role in preventive healthcare frameworks.
Ambassador Kumar thanked the Korea Yoga Association, local governments, sponsors, and institutions including the India Center at Busan University of Foreign Studies for their collaboration. He also expressed appreciation to Miss Lee Geum-hee, a well-known broadcaster who was appointed as the promotional ambassador for this year’s event, and yoga instructor Moon Jeong-hye, who will lead the main yoga session in Seoul.
Lee, who served as the master of ceremonies at last year’s rain-soaked IDY event at COEX, recalled being deeply moved by the determination of the participants. "I will never forget that scene," she said. "So many yoga practitioners stayed until the end, soaking wet but completely focused."
That experience, she said, inspired her to accept the role of ambassador for IDY 2025. "I want people to discover yoga like fans discover their favorite idols, so no one misses out," she said. Lee also praised the dedication of the organizers and shared her hope that yoga in Korea can grow beyond a wellness trend.
"These days, K-pop, K-drama, and K-food are all making waves around the world. I hope ‘K-Yoga’ can join that list," she said. "We have enough content, enough practitioners, and enough instructors." She added with a smile, "If there's a role I can play, I’ll do my best, starting with improving my English."
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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