Ways to enjoy International Day of Yoga in Korea

People participate in a group Yoga practice during the International Day of Yoga celebration at the Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, June 16, 2019. Newsis

Yoga enthusiasts in Korea will once again mark the International Day of Yoga on Saturday with celebrations in a couple of places around the country, featuring group practices, cultural performances and community gatherings.

Since 2014, the International Day of Yoga has been commemorated globally on June 21, promoting yoga’s benefits for both physical and mental well-being. Each year, thousands gather in cities worldwide to participate.

The main event in Korea will take place at 5 p.m. at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul. Participants will gather in the open air to practice Surya Namaskar — a flow sequence of 12 yoga positions — as well as Hatha and Vinyasa yoga, two popular styles.

Organized by the Embassy of India in Korea and the Korean Yoga Association, the event will also feature a Kathak dance performance, a traditional art form from India, and demonstrations of Gyrokinesis, a movement practice that stimulates the nervous system by coordinating breath, focus and motion. Acro yoga, which incorporates acrobatic elements, will also be showcased.

Indian Ambassador to Korea Amit Kumar and other dignitaries are expected to attend the event, deliver remarks, and join the yoga session.

The Seoul city’s Moonlight Urban Yoga program will continue the celebration with outdoor classes at Gwanghwamun Square starting June 23. Sessions will be held every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. until Aug. 7. More information is available on the program’s official Instagram account.

While celebrations in Jeju Island, Busan and Daegu have already concluded, other places are also joining in to recognize the merits of yoga. In Daejeon, celebrations will be held at Woorideul Park near the main branch of the renowned Sungsimdang Bakery. Events will run from 1 to 8:30 p.m., featuring Surya Namaskar, Hatha yoga and Tibetan singing bowl meditation.

In Goseong, Gangwon Province, Bongsudae Beach will host a celebration starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday, featuring a yoga and meditation session.

In Nami Island of Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, the celebration is scheduled to take place on June 28. Meanwhile, other cities in Gangwon Province are expected to hold events at Aurora Park in Taebaek on Aug. 2, Breitbach in Hongcheon on Aug. 9 and Expo Square in Sokcho on Sept. 13, respectively.

Participants are required to bring their own yoga mats. As rain is forecast for Saturday, changes to events may occur. For the latest updates, visit the International Day of Yoga Korea’s official website.