(Minghui.org) Locals and tourists learned about Falun Dafa during a World Falun Dafa Day celebration on Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul, on May 11, 2026.
Gwanghwamun Square is in front of the main gate of the royal palace, Gyeongbokgung, which was built in the Joseon era. It’s a landmark where history and modern life meet, and anchors South Korea’s political, administrative, and cultural center. Nearby are major institutions such as the government complex, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the U.S. Embassy, Seoul City Hall, and leading media offices. The square is where major cultural events are held, including rallies and performances.
Practitioners did the Falun Dafa exercises in the morning, drawing the attention of passers-by. Some people followed along, while others accepted flyers.
Practitioners did the exercises on Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul, on May 11, 2026. (Minghui.org)
A resident who tried the exercises said, “I felt calm and refreshed even though I did them for a short while. My complex thoughts disappeared.”
A family from New Zealand asked where they can learn the exercises, and asked about the practice and the Falun Dafa website.
The Tian Guo Marching Band performed at 11 a.m. and many passers-by stopped to listen.
Dr. Woo Sili, secretary-general of the South Korean Falun Dafa Association, described the “Falun Dafa Journey,” including Falun Dafa’s public introduction, how it was practiced worldwide, and the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution in China. The content included the initial public introduction in 1992, the April 25 appeal, the CCP’s persecution since 1999, the CCP’s state-sanctioned forced organ harvesting, and the Falun Gong Protection Act passed in the US House of Representatives.
Mr. Kwon Hong-Dae, chairman of the South Korean Falun Dafa Association, gave a speech and called for an end to the CCP’s 27-year persecution. He hoped that more people will learn about Falun Dafa’s guiding principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, so that they can enjoy inner peace and improve their health.
Parade in the Center of Seoul
The parade was led by Tian Guo Marching Band and started at noon. It included practitioners demonstrating the exercises, a large replica of the book Zhuan Falun, a waist drum team, practitioners carrying banners with information about the CCP’s persecution, and information about how millions of Chinese withdrew from the CCP and its affiliated organizations.
Practitioners paraded in the center of Seoul on May 11 (Minghui.org)
The parade route was along Sejong-daero, stretching from Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square toward City Hall. Since it was lunchtime, many office workers and residents were on the streets and stopped to watch the massive parade.
People lined both sides of the route. A middle-aged man said, “I traveled to China and saw people practicing Falun Gong in a park. I didn’t know that the persecution is ongoing.” After being told about the Falun Gong Protection Act in the US Congress, he accepted a flyer and said he would learn more.
Jenna Miller from Australia
Jenna Miller from Australia said, “I saw similar events in Australia. I believe that freedom—and the freedom of belief—are rights that every individual should enjoy. I sincerely hope that everyone may find peace and happiness.”
People Participate in an Event to Reflect Universal Values
After the parade people were invited to select the most necessary of the universal values, Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, and put a sticker below it on a board.
Participants also received fresh Gerbera flowers and introductory materials about Falun Gong. The 500 fresh flowers prepared for the event were all distributed within approximately four hours.
A high school student explained why she chose Compassion, “My dream is to become a nurse. Selecting Compassion reflects my past and reminds myself to be a kind person.”
Another high school student selected Forbearance. She said, “Lately, due to academic pressure, I have been going through a great deal of inner turmoil. I need to re-adjust my mindset, so I have chosen Forbearance.”
Another student pursuing nursing also chose Compassion. She said, “The interpretation of ‘Compassion’ as caring and consideration resonated deeply with me. Since I have always believed that a proper mindset and virtuous character are of paramount importance, I chose ‘Compassion.’”
Emily Finklstein from the US selected both Compassion and Forbearance. She said, “I can feel the importance of these values in interpersonal relations. It is essential to remember and apply these principles.”
Dorra Petit from France selected Forbearance. He said, “We live in a world of hatred. Hatred seems to be everywhere. Therefore, the most important thing is to understand and acknowledge our differences. Forbearance is of paramount importance.”
Suraz Yadav, a nurse from the UK, said after participating in the activity, “If peace and love reside within people's hearts, this world will be better.”
Among the people who took origami lotus flowers, many expressed great interest in the universal values and asked where they could learn the practice.
Several people in their 20s learned about the CCP’s persecution and expressed their concern. They asked what Falun Gong is. After they were told about the universal values, they said they were opposite of the CCP’s ideology.
Practitioners who could speak Chinese talked with Chinese students and tourists. Five Chinese people renounced the CCP organizations during the event.
New Life After Practicing Dafa
Practitioners also shared their experiences.
Kathleen Young from Switzerland
“Before I practiced Dafa, I was anxious and restless. Now, however, I have inner peace and have gained a deeper understanding of how to be considerate and empathetic toward others.”
Park Young-soon from Daegu said, “I have become gentle after practicing. Even though I’m getting old, I don’t feel tired. I am very healthy physically and mentally.” She said she looks within during conflicts. Through studying the Fa, she keeps improving her character.
Kang Jung-ho, an office worker from Busan, said he was initially introduced to Falun Gong through extracurricular activities in high school. He stopped practicing for a while, but resumed after he experienced some tribulations due to his attachment to money. He used to frequently seek medical treatment for tonsillitis and cervical spondylosis. He became healthy after he practiced Falun Dafa. He appreciated Master and said, “I will be more considerate and become a better person.”
Kwon Jeong-eun from Daegu participated in the event with her young daughter. She said she started practicing Falun Gong after her father told her about it. She grew up in a Catholic family and was always told, “Only by believing in God can one enter Heaven.” She had a lingering question, how about those who are kind but do not believe in God.
Her questions were answered when she read Falun Gong’s teachings. She also said that her relationships with others became harmonious when she treated others with sincerity and without expecting anything in return.
She said, “Master’s compassion is beyond words. I hope to cultivate diligently.”
Copyright © 1999-2026 Minghui.org. All rights reserved.
