TAXILA— A high-level delegation of South Korean Buddhist monastics, academics, and researchers has described the ancient Gandhara civilization as the “spiritual root of Mahayana Buddhism” during a pilgrimage to holy sites across northern Pakistan.
Led by the Most Venerable Monk Jong Lim, the eight-member delegation called for concerted international efforts to preserve Pakistan’s rich Buddhist heritage, highlighting its strong potential to attract regular religious tourism from East Asia. Standing before the 2,000-year-old Dharmarajika Stupa, the 85-year-old monk emphasised the deep and living connection between contemporary Korean Buddhist traditions and the historical landscapes of Gandhara.
According to Korean Buddhist history, the region now known as Pakistan played a foundational role in the spread of the faith across Asia. Professor Lee Jong, a member of the academic delegation, noted that Marananatha — the revered 4th-century monk credited with introducing Buddhism to the ancient Korean kingdom of Baekje in 384 AD — originated from this area. Venerable Jong Lim observed that while he has visited major Buddhist sites in India, the spiritual landscape of Gandhara holds a unique emotional resonance for East Asian practitioners.
The delegation, which included lady monastics Hyo Rok and Yoo Yeon, academic researchers, and PhD scholar Choi Bong Ju, also toured the Taxila Museum to view its renowned collection of Gandharan art and early Buddhist artifacts.
Dr. Kyosoon Park of the Gandhara International Research Centre at the University of Lahore, who has worked for two decades to strengthen academic and cultural ties between South Korea and Pakistan, stressed that such high-profile visits help promote Pakistan’s peaceful, heritage-rich image while building momentum for Buddhist religious tourism. Punjab Archaeology Department Deputy Director Asim Dogar assured the visitors that provincial authorities are committed to preserving these sites and developing infrastructure to welcome international pilgrims.
