Chungbuk Superintendent Candidates Court Buddhist Voters on Buddha's Birthday

Ahead of Buddha's Birthday in 2026, candidates running for superintendent of education in the Chungbuk region have begun efforts to win over the hearts of Buddhist voters. This highlights how the votes of a specific religious community can be a significant variable in an election that will determine the region's educational direction.

Each candidate visited temples on the day, launching campaigns to court religious voters. Candidate Yoon Kun-young connected the Buddha's teachings mentioned in his congratulatory message to his own educational philosophy. In his Buddha's Birthday message, Yoon stated, 'The Buddha taught us the value of living together by holding the hands of the sick in the lowest places and embracing neighbors who are discriminated against.' Yoon emphasized that, like the Buddha's compassion and spirit of inclusion, he would always be with the people with a humble attitude to create education where children can learn and nurture their dreams without discrimination, and a Chungbuk education where everyone is happy together.

Candidate Kim Sung-geun visited Yonghwasa, Myeongjansa, and Mayasa temples in Cheongju on the 24th, and candidate Kim Jin-gyun also celebrated at Mayasa temple in Gadeok-myeon, Cheongju on the same day. In addition to temple visits, Kim Sung-geun also visited crowded public places such as Sangdangsanseong Fortress and Cheongju Land.