AI Monk 'Gabi' Greets Visitors at Buddhist Culture Expo in Daegu

Daegu will host the 5th Korea Buddhist Culture Expo from June 11 to 14, transforming the EXCO convention center into a space exploring Buddhist philosophy and culture through interactive experiences. Titled 'Form is Emptiness, Emptiness is Form, Everyone's Favorite Game,' the expo aims to make Buddhist concepts accessible and enjoyable for all ages.

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This year's expo is the first pet-friendly expo in the country, offering free admission to visitors with pets.

This year's event introduces a 'Pet-friendly' initiative, offering free admission to visitors accompanied by their pets. The expo will also feature booths selling pet-friendly vegetarian snacks and natural aroma products, catering to animal lovers. A notable guest at the opening ceremony will be 'Gabi,' an AI humanoid robot monk that recently gained attention for participating in a lantern parade in Seoul.

Attendees can engage in various programs designed to reinterpret Buddhist philosophy and practice. A 'Gong 뽑기' (drawing a ball) and 'Gong 수거' (collecting balls) event allows participants to experience the Buddhist concept of emptiness (공, gong) by drawing a ball with a lucky message and placing a wish-filled ball into a collection box. Other activities include 'Seu-dam Seu-dam' (chatting with monks) for discussing daily worries, sutra recitations, and yoga and meditation sessions with pets.

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Gabi, an AI humanoid robot monk who recently garnered attention for attending the Seoul Lantern Parade, will officially attend the opening ceremony.

"We hope visitors can experience the diverse charms of Buddhist culture, blending tradition, modernity, and cutting-edge technology, and find rest and comfort in their daily lives," said Hwang Bo-ran, Director of Culture and Sports Tourism for Daegu City. The expo will also offer various Buddhist merchandise, such as keyrings featuring young monks.

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We hope visitors can experience the diverse charms of Buddhist culture, blending tradition, modernity, and cutting-edge technology, and find rest and comfort in their daily lives.