Dr. Arya’s talk and Youme translating
Seoul: Representative Dr. Tsewang Gyalpo Arya of the Liaison Office of H.H. the Dalai Lama for Japan and East Asia concluded his week-long exhibition and talk programs in four major cities, as well as other official engagements, in South Korea from 21 to 28 January 2026.
As a part of the event to celebrate H.H. the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, the Tibetan Community in Korea has organised photo exhibitions on the life and contribution of H.H. the Dalai Lama to world peace. The Tibet Museum of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) contributed the photos for the exhibitions. Representative Arya briefed the audience of the four major commitment of H.H. the Dalai Lama: promotion of human value; promotion of religious harmony; protection of the Tibetan identity and culture; and revival of the ancient Indian Nalanda’s Buddhist science and philosophy. Representative Dr. Arya spoke on the ancient ties between Korea and Tibet since the 7th century Tibetan Emperor Srongtsan Gampo and 13th century Drogon Chogyal Phagpa.
The Korean version of Dr. Arya’s book, “Harnessing the Dragon’s Fume,” was released during the exhibitions. Explaining the contents of the book, Representative Arya talked about how the Chinese communist regime is distorting history to legitimize its occupation of Tibet. He talked about the Chinese colonial boarding schools and the lethal policy behind these schools. He warned the audience about the Chinese plan to interfere in the selection of the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. He further informed the audience about the environmental destruction due to excessive dam building and mineral extraction taking place in Tibet.
The exhibitions and talk events were held at the four major cities of Gyeongju, Seoul, Kwangju, and Busan. People asked question and clarification on the Tibetan history and the current situation, the middle way approach policy, and H.H. the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation issue. In Seoul city, people of Chinese and Manchu origin also participated; one shared his experience of how they were taught distorted information on the self-immolation protest while in China. It was decided to initiate the establishment of the Korean Friends of Tibet in the four cities separately, with the people gathered during the respective talk events.
Apart from the exhibitions and the talk events, Representative Dr. Arya first met Rev. Neung Haeng of Jungtoh Maeul Foundation and thanked the Foundation for all their help and guidance to the Tibetan monks in the region. He paid a visit to Rev. Master Jinok of Seokcheonsa Temple and sought his guidance to promote H.H. The Dalai Lama’s message of peace and compassion. On the last leg of his visit, Representative Dr. Arya met Rev. Khin Sunim of Wonbeoepasa Temple and thanked him and his Temple for sponsoring the Tibetan students to study in Korean universities and requested his continued support in educating the young Tibetans.
Geshe Tenzin Sangpo, the President of the Tibetan Community in Korea, and Youme Lee, a Tibet supporter and translator of the book “Harnessing the Dragon’s Fume”, arranged the exhibitions and book talk events. Monk Tsering Wangchuk, Thinlay, and Lobsang of the Tibetan community Korea helped in the event and translation works.
– Report filed by the Office of Tibet, Japan and East Asia
A talk event at Gyeongju city
Exhibition and talk event at Seoul city
Seoul city talk group photo
Talk event at Kwangju city
Kwangju talk group photo
Busan talk group photo
The book “Yongui Bonnorul Tasurita”
Rev. Khin Sunim with the Tibetan students at the Temple complex