Korean Buddhist Association delegation arrives in Sri Lanka

Group Photo with the Korean Buddhist Association Group

On their arrival at the Airport

TIC officials with a guest 

A 37-member delegation of the Korean Civil Service Buddhist Association recently arrived in Sri Lanka to promote Sri Lanka’s hospitality and cultural experience, creating awareness on Sri Lanka Tourism to high-end travellers in Korea. 

This was mainly a pilgrim tour for members of the Association and their families, which took place from 29 July to 4 August. 

The Government Employee Buddhist Association was established in the year 2000, with over 700 Government employees from 47 Government organisations. Since then, the Association has held numerous Dharma services and temple stays in local and overseas pilgrimages. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the Association has initiated pilgrim tours overseas again and Sri Lanka was one of such tours. 

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau welcomed the guests to the country with colourful vigour, adorned with souvenirs and garlands. TIC Deputy Director Harindra Wijewardene and Advertising and Marketing – Korea Deputy Director Thanuja Muniweera attended the welcome. They were also entertained by a Kandyan dance troupe who showed their cultural pride with a superb performance. 

The delegation visited many Buddhist related locations on their stay such as attractions in Anuradhapura, Mihintale, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, an Elephant Safari, Dambulla Cave Temple, Matale Aluviharaya Temple, and Kandy. 

The Korean guests enjoyed their time in Nuwara Eliya visiting the Tea Factory, Tea Field, and the Gregory Lake, covering the Southern Coastal area visiting the Ahungalla Beach (including the mangroves), and ended their tour in Colombo . 

Sri Lanka has attracted over 5,000 Korean tourists in 2024 and will be promoting this market with many other activities to attract more Korean travellers.