International Day of Yoga in Korea

The International Day of Yoga is celebrated annually on 21st June, since 2015. The idea was first proposed by the current Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 27th September 2014.

In South Korea, there is a significant amount of craze among the people for 'Yoga'.  In addition, 'Yoga' is part of the university curriculum across the country.  Even the South Korean President, Moon Jae-in, shared words to commemorate the International Day of Yoga on 21st June 2015.

To know more about the topic, I got the honour to interview Dr Sonu Trivedi, Director of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center (also known as Indian Cultural Center (ICC)), Embassy of India in Seoul.

Dr Sonu Trivedi is Director of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center, Embassy of India, Seoul.  She joined as Assistant Professor, Zakir Husain Delhi College, the University of Delhi in 2006. Before moving to the diplomatic assignment at Seoul, she was a Fellow at Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, New Delhi.  She was also the Convenor, Southeast Asia Research Group at Department of Political Science, the University of Delhi and Founder Director, Center for Vietnam Studies, New Delhi.

Here, She has enlightened us with many aspects from Yoga in Korea to the cultural ties of the two countries with a unique approach.

1. How popular 'Yoga' is in South Korea?  How is it perceive outside India?

Yoga is highly popular in South Korea as a fitness exercise.  We see numerous Yoga Pilates and studios flourishing in the city.  Over the years, Yoga enthusiasts have grown in numbers are they are also taking recourse to wellness centres and resorts during holidays.

Millions of people across the globe have benefited from the practice of Yoga and it is blossoming and growing more vibrant with each passing day.  Numerous people in India and across the globe practice it every day.  Today, as the importance of Yoga in every aspect of life is realized, more students and practitioners of Yoga are looking for a deeper understanding and philosophical basis of Yoga and its practices. 

In recent times, as the world is engulfed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Yoga is of even greater relevance. The practice of yoga leads to 'physical and mental wellbeing.

During these unprecedented times of pandemic, when not only individuals, nations but the whole of humanity is undergoing a shock.  'Yogic way of life' can help everyone sail through and stay healthy and happy in a positive state of mind by following “health-building and stress-relieving aspects of Yoga”.

2. Are there people in Korea who pursue Yoga as a career, not as a hobby?

Since Yoga studios are very popular in Korea, many Koreans are opting for Yoga as a profession and getting specialized training as Yoga instructors.

3. Since the time you took charge of the office, how is 'International Day of  Yoga' celebrated in South Korea?

In its endeavour to promote Indian culture, our Center has been organizing several events in the Republic of Korea and notable amongst they include the International Day of Yoga.  Every year International Day of Yoga (IDY) was organized with thousands of yoga enthusiasts and practitioners gathering at Gwangwhamun Square in Seoul for a big celebration.

 In these challenging times of global pandemic and restrictions on the social gathering, the Cultural Center in 2020 organized the 6th IDY celebrations online, when participants joined from the comforts of our homes, following truly the theme of  “Yoga from Home, Yoga with Family ”  through the mass performance of the Common  Yoga Protocol - one of the most popular Yoga programs across the world.

 This year in 2021, the Cultural Center is organizing a series of Yoga events in different cities across Korea with local partners following COVID-19 protocols and all guidelines of the government during the pandemic.

Yoga for Youth at Shinhwa Middle School in Seoul

Curtain Raiser ceremony of 7th International Day of Yoga at Namsan Seoul Tower

Curtain Raiser ceremony of 7th International Day of Yoga at Namsan Seoul Tower

To mark the 7th International Day of Yoga in 2021, Yoga sessions for Children and youth will be organized in various schools in Seoul along with Wongwan Digital University, Seoul Campus on 19th June, and Busan University of Foreign Studies on 21st June. The Cultural Center has also partnered with the Gimhae City administration for a Yoga demonstration on 20th June and at Nami Island on 25th June.  A Special Yoga Day demonstration and cultural performance will also be held in Seoul on 21st June in collaboration with the Gandong-gu office and Korea Yoga Association.

Indian Embassy officers & staff members participated in the Curtain Raiser ceremony

This series of yoga sessions organized across Korea will provide participants with a unique opportunity to discover various aspects of India's age-old approach to well-being.

4. Besides Yoga, what other activities are provided by Indian Cultural Centre?  How many people participate approximately?

Since its inception, the Cultural Center has been providing regular classes on  Yoga, Indian classical and contemporary dances like Kathak and Odissi, musical instruments like Tabla, Harmonium and languages ​​​​such as Hindi and Sanskrit.

It also organizes special lectures on diverse aspects of Indian culture, politics and society by involving renowned Indian and Korean scholars and academia.

One of the flagship events of the Cultural Center is  SARANG - the Festival of  India in the Republic of Korea.  As a part of this festival, we try to showcase the rich cultural diversity of India represented through various art forms – dance, drama, music, films and cuisine.  This depiction of diversity captures the hearts and minds of the local community in Korea and strengthens the love and friendship between the people of the two countries.

 As part of the 'Outreach Program', the Cultural Center opens its premises to schools, universities, associations and other entities interested in understanding Indian culture and provides them with a holistic perspective of India and its culture.  In addition, we conduct 'Outreach Programs' across the country intending to reach out and introduce India to people living away from the capital city.

5. What link does Indian Cultural Center Seoul play for India and South Korea relations in terms of Yoga and Ayurveda?

The Cultural Center promotes Yoga and Ayurveda related information in the Republic of Korea.  It conducts regular classes for Yoga and Special lectures and Workshops on Ayurveda.

Every year 'International Day of Yoga' is celebrated in June in partnership with local stakeholders in different cities of Korea.

'Ayurveda Day' is celebrated in November when we organize Special lectures and Symposiums on  'Traditional Medicine in India and Korea'.

 Ayurvedic principles added to our  Yoga practices can create a deeper, richer experience.  It emphasizes “good health and prevention and treatment of illness through lifestyle practices and the use of herbal remedies.” – mostly by way of traditional body massage, meditation, yoga, and dietary adjustments.  Ayurveda focuses on the complete synergy between our relationship with community, nature, and the environment making it a fundamental part of our daily lives.

Yoga and  Ayurveda are corresponding systems of alternative therapy with an enhanced focus on health, spirituality, and well-being.  On the one hand, Yoga seeks to unite body, mind, and spirit through meditation, breath control and physical exercises, Ayurveda on the other seeks to cure and prevent disease by harmonising our life with the rhythms of nature.  This integrative science of healing bonds us with nature along with respecting the limits of our ecosystem.

  

Dr Sonu Trivedi

Director, Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center
Embassy of India, Seoul

It can be said without a doubt that "Yoga" is widely popular in the world and South Korea is no exception. We hope through such initiatives by Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center and the Embassy of India in Seoul both the countries cultural ties grow stronger.

[Image Courtesy: The post is designed by me. Image is subject to copyright.]

[Image Courtesy: The photos are provided by Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center, Embassy of India, Seoul. Photos are subject to copyright.]