Indian Ambassador to Korea Amit Kumar, left, poses with actor Cha Ye-ryun, second from left, the newly appointed brand ambassador for the 10th International Day of Yoga, along with Kim Sung-il, second from right, chairman of the organizing committee for the 10th International Day of Yoga in Korea, and Cheon Jun-pil, chairman of Korean Yoga Association, during a press conference in Seoul, May 22. Courtesy of Embassy of India in Seoul

Indian Ambassador to Korea Amit Kumar highlighted the importance of the International Day of Yoga and yoga's role in uniting the world during a press conference co-organized by the Embassy of India and the Korean Yoga Association (KYA) in Seoul, Wednesday.

The United Nations General Assembly, at India's initiative, adopted a unanimous resolution in 2014, declaring June 21 as the International Day of Yoga and recognizing yoga as a holistic approach to health and well-being. Subsequently, yoga was included in UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016.

"You all would have heard the story of Indian Princess Suri Ratna, who reached Korea in 48 A.D. by a maritime route, married King Kim Suro and started the venerable Gaya Dynasty. We also have the shared heritage of Buddhism which connects us. Yoga is another living bridge between us," Kumar said.

The ambassador elaborated on the ancient heritage of yoga, believed to have originated 3,000 years ago in India, and its global relevance today.

"The practice of yoga, encompassing the physical, mental and spiritual aspects, was codified in the Yoga Sutras of sage Patanjali around 200 B.C. The fact that yoga has transcended geographical, cultural and temporal boundaries, touching the lives of millions around the world including Korea, attests to its timeless wisdom and relevance," he said.

Kumar emphasized that yoga is a holistic approach that is valuable to health and well-being in today's fast-paced world. While regular practice of yoga improves flexibility, strength and balance, it also fosters spiritual growth and self-awareness.

"Yoga is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself and the world and nature around you. Techniques like pranayama and meditation are particularly effective in calming the mind and fostering emotional resilience," he said.

During the event, Cha Ye-ryun, a renowned Korean actor and avid practitioner of yoga, and Han Ji-hoon, a YouTuber and social media influencer known as YogaBoy, were appointed as brand ambassadors for the 10th International Day of Yoga.

This year, International Day of Yoga events are being organized in Nami Island on June 8, Jeju Island on June 15, Seoul and Miryang on June 22 and Busan on June 23.

The events are supported by the Korean Yoga Association, the India Centre at Busan University of Foreign Studies (BUFS), Nami Island Arts and Education and Miryang City.