Apart from four monks and several researchers and professors from the renowned Dongguk University based on Buddhism, Korean businesspersons in Islamabad and even a couple of diplomats are part of the delegation.
The expedition aims to provide a fresh impetus to the existing cultural ties between the two countries, which are deeply embedded in history through the common heritage of Buddhism.
This initiative is a response to the Imran Khan government’s vision to make Pakistan a preferred destination for tourists from around the world.
This expedition will be followed by a Korean Joge Order’s Buddhist delegation expected to reach Pakistan this November.
South Korean Ambassador Kwak Sung-kyu, Kwak, in his speech, emphasised the need for working together to promote cultural ties and said owing to its unique world heritage, especially the most shining Gandhara civilization as a main source of attraction, Pakistan will be an appealing destination for the Korean Buddhist pilgrimage and tourists.
“We need to promote religious tourism as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has 6,000 archaeological sites."
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Tourism Atif Khan said Pakistan- South Korea bilateral ties will further be cemented through the promotion of tourism and culture and people-to-people contacts.
On the occasion, the senior provincial minister and the Korean delegation discussed various matters pertaining to mutual interests.