South Korea's two primary political parties are conducting Buddhist outreach and touring key regions 10 days [1] before the June 3, 2024, local elections [2].
These efforts, described as "Buddhist-heart outreach," aim to secure critical votes from the Buddhist community and bolster support for party candidates in highly contested districts.
The Democratic Party, led by 정청래 and 한병도, and the People Power Party, led by 장동혁, are both attending Buddha’s Birthday ceremonies. These activities include visits to prominent sites such as the Jogyesa temple in Seoul and the Songgwangsa temple in Suncheon, located in Jeollanam-do [1].
Beyond temple visits, party leaders and candidates are touring several strategic cities and districts. The outreach extends to Gwangyang, Damyang, and Hampyeong, as well as Gwangjin-gu and Hanam city in the Seoul area [1]. In Incheon, the parties are focusing on Yeonsu-gu, Gyeyang-gu, and Bupyeong-gu to maximize their reach [1].
Candidates 이광재 and 정원오 are also participating in these regional tours to strengthen their local standing [1]. The strategy involves combining religious observance with grassroots campaigning to appeal to a broad demographic of voters before the June 3, 2024 [2] polling date.
By aligning themselves with traditional Buddhist celebrations, both parties seek to demonstrate cultural respect and spiritual alignment with a significant portion of the electorate. This tactical approach is designed to mobilize voters in the final stretch of the campaign period [1].
“Both parties are conducting a "불심 공략" (Buddhist‑heart outreach)”
The simultaneous push by both the Democratic Party and the People Power Party indicates that the Buddhist vote is viewed as a decisive swing factor in the 2024 local elections. By targeting specific temples and regional hubs, parties are attempting to secure cultural legitimacy and emotional resonance with voters in a highly polarized political environment.
