Lee Jae-myung, candidate for the Democratic Party of Korea presidential election, said on the 5th, "The stable transmission and preservation of traditional culture and Buddhist culture is our mission of our times and a responsibility to future generations," adding, "I will establish a solid foundation to transmit traditional culture and Buddhist culture."
The candidate introduced a policy pledge supporting Buddhism through Facebook on the occasion of Buddha's Birthday.
The candidate noted, "Buddhism is the foundation of our nation's traditional culture and spiritual culture, a national religion that unites citizens in times of national crisis and has prevented invasions by foreign powers," adding, "The Democratic Party and I are responsible for the historical task of transmitting Buddhist culture."
He promised to strengthen policies for the enhancement and preservation of the cultural value of traditional culture, improve the management system for traditional cultural heritage, and expand national support systems so that Buddhist culture can play a stronger role as a religion that fosters social integration.
The candidate explained, "I will ease the burden rate for the repair and maintenance of traditional temples," adding, "To prevent damage from forest fires caused by climate change, I will expand firefighting and disaster prevention facilities, including the consolidation of water pipes, and increase research and development of firefighting facilities integrated with new technologies."
He continued by saying that he would promote regulatory improvements considering the public benefits of traditional temples and expand support, saying, "I will promote the establishment of a transmission hall for Yeondeunghoe, which is a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, and seek support to enhance the modern value recognition of the Palman Daejanggyeong."
To improve the management system for traditional cultural heritage, the candidate explained, "I will relax the regulatory elements of the cultural heritage viewing fee discount system and improve the management support system for complex cultural heritage such as temple forests and temple land."
He also stated, "Reflecting the characteristics of traditional temples within the park cultural heritage district, I will ease restrictions on activities for preservation efforts and strengthen support for management protection."
The candidate added, "I will expand the national support system so that Buddhism can strengthen its role as a religion of social integration."
He promised that "the role of religion for individual social isolation and mental healing is extremely important," adding that he would expand support for Temple Stay, part of a national healing program, and also support meditation programs.