TAXILA: A 16-member delegation from South Korea comprising monks, scholars and devotees performed their rituals in front of the holy bone relics of Lord Buddha on Wednesday in Taxila.

The delegation was led by Monk Lee Sung Ku of Yeongpyeongsa Temple a tranquil spiritual retreat known for its deep-rooted Buddhist practices.

Currently on a pilgrimage tour, the South Korean visitors also explored the Taxila Museum and key ancient Buddhist sites, including Sirkap and the Dharmarajika Stupa.

Upon their arrival, the delegation was received by Director at the Directorate General of Archaeology, Punjab, Mohammad Iqbal.

Their museum visit began with special prayers in front of the holy relics of Lord Buddha, which continued for around half an hour.

Monks explained that such prayers are traditionally offered on the first and fifteenth days ofeach lunar month.

They said their prayers also aimed to spiritually revive the peaceful era when Buddhism flourished worldwide.

During the visit, Mr Iqbal informed the delegation that the artefacts housed in the museum are over 2,000 years old, dating back to a time when Buddhist monks lived in Taxila then the heart of the Gandhara civilisation.

He highlighted the site`s potential to attract both national and international visitors interested in experiencing the spiritual and cultural richness of Gandharan heritage.

Speaking to journalists, Monk Lee Sung Ku emphasisedPakistan`s significance to the Korean people as the birthplace of Buddhism.

He noted that Monk Maranatha, who brought Buddhism to Korea in 384 AD, hailed from this region.

`As a sacred place for Buddhists, we will encourage our people to visit Taxila and Julian to better understand this cultural blend,` he said. `Gandhara is a treasure trove for soul-searching.

These artefacts remind us of Buddha`s message placing humanity above divinity.

Though our cultures and religions differ, our ancestors are linked through shared history, Monk Lee Sung Kuadded.Visiting Pakistan for the first time, female Monk Park Kyuree expressed her emotional connection to the visit.

`Korean Buddhism traces its roots to the Gandharan civilisation, which thrived 2,000 years ago in present-day northern Pakistan,` she said, adding that `even today, stupas, shrines and courtyards stand as testimony to the holy land of Buddhism`.

Another monk shared, `It was a deeply moving experience to visit these sacred sites. We prayed for global peace and religious harmony`.

At the Dharmarajika Stupa, Mohammad Iqbalbriefed the delegation about the historical importance of Taxila`s Unesco World Heritage sites, which continue to attract tourists from around the globe.

The monks also toured the ancient monastery at Julian, expressing admiration for its preservation and spiritual ambience.

Imran Sharif Dogar, who hosted the delegation, said he invited the group to help promote Pakistan`s archaeological heritage and showcase its improved security conditions.

He noted that the Gandhara Civilisation holds great potential to attract pilgrims from Korea and called for strengthening cultural ties between Islamabad and Seoul.

Meanwhile, Syed Zaheer Shah, an official of Gandhara Art Village, hosted a reception for the delegation.