Yoga enthusiasts in Seoul gather to celebrate international day
By Im Yoon-seo and Han Jun-guPosted : June 21, 2025, 21:03Updated : June 21, 2025, 21:04
Participants practice yoga during the 11th International Day of Yoga event held at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on June 21, 2025. AJP Han Jun-gu
SEOUL, June 21 (AJP) - An event celebrating the International Day of Yoga was held at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on Saturday, bringing together hundreds of participants from both the Korean and Indian communities.
Co-hosted by the Korean Yoga Association and the Embassy of India in Seoul, the event featured a series of yoga sessions, performances, and speeches aimed at deepening public understanding of yoga. Attendees included yoga practitioners, instructors, embassy officials, and citizens from many different fields, reflecting the growing popularity of yoga in South Korea.
Participants practice yoga during the 11th International Day of Yoga event held at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on June 21, 2025. AJP Han Jun-gu
Participants practice yoga during the 11th International Day of Yoga event held at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on June 21, 2025. AJP Han Jun-gu
Participants practice yoga during the 11th International Day of Yoga event held at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on June 21, 2025. AJP Han Jun-gu
Participants practice yoga during the 11th International Day of Yoga event held at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on June 21, 2025. AJP Han Jun-gu
The International Day of Yoga, which is celebrated annually on June 21, was first proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 and adopted by the United Nations the same year. The day aims to promote the advantages of practicing yoga as a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline.
Indian Ambassador to Seoul Amit Kumar delivers a speech at the 11th International Day of Yoga event held at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on June 21, 2025. AJP Han Jun-gu
“I am happy to celebrate yoga, an ancient Indian tradition with a history spanning over 3,000 years, through this meaningful day,” said Indian Ambassador to Seoul Amit Kumar in his remarks at the event. “Yoga is a globally recognized practice that integrates breathing techniques, meditation, and physical postures to improve health, enhance mental clarity, and promote emotional resilience.”
Officials and participants of the 11th International Day of Yoga event pose for a photo at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on June 21, 2025. AJP Han Jun-gu
Kumar noted that nearly 8 million people in South Korea also practice yoga, citing its increasing popularity in modern lifestyles around the world. “I hope today’s event encourages even more people in Korea to explore yoga as a way to bring positive change to their daily lives.”
A yoga performance takes place during the 11th International Day of Yoga event at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on June 21, 2025. AJP Han Jun-gu
A yoga performance takes place during the 11th International Day of Yoga event at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on June 21, 2025. AJP Han Jun-gu
The event included a mass yoga session led by instructors, along with yoga-themed dance and cultural performances, offering participants a chance to engage with various aspects of yoga.
reporter
Im Yoon-seo and Han Jun-gulyseo0330@ajupress.com, jungu141298@ajupress.com