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 the High End travelers in Korea. This was mainly a Pilgrim Tour for members of the Association and their families, which took place during 29^th July to 4^th of August 2024.

The Government Employee Buddhist Association was established in the year  2000 with over 700 government employees from 47 government organizations. Since then, the association has held numerous Dharma services, 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.

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau welcomed the guests  to the country with colorful vigor, adorned with souvenirs and garlands.  Ms. Harindra Wijewardene, Deputy Director TIC and Ms. Thanuja Muniweera, Deputy Director Advertising and Marketing (Korea) 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 Nuwaraeliya visiting the Tea Factory, Tea Field and the Gregory Lake, Covering the Southern Coastal Area, they visited the Ahungalle Beach, (including the Mangroves) and ended their tour in  Colombo .

Sri Lanka has attracted over 5000 Korean tourists to the destination in 2024 and will be promoting this market with many other activities to attract more Korean travellers.