Overview
South Korea introduced its first humanoid robot monk named Gabi during a Buddhist ceremony at Jogyesa Temple on 6 May 2026.
The robot was presented by the Jogye Order before Buddha’s Birthday celebrations on 24 May 2026.
The event attracted global attention because it combined religion, robotics, and artificial intelligence in a unique way.
The ceremony showed how modern technology is entering traditional cultural and spiritual spaces.
Who Is Gabi?
South Korea’s First Robot Monk
Gabi is a humanoid robot designed with a human-like body structure.
The robot includes:
Gabi stands about 130 centimetres tall.
During the ceremony, the robot wore grey-and-brown Buddhist robes similar to traditional monks.
The robot was introduced as part of Buddhist cultural activities linked to Buddha’s Birthday celebrations.
Meaning Behind the Name “Gabi”
Connection With Buddhist Values
The robot received the Dharma name “Gabi” during the ceremony.
The name combines:
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Siddhartha, the birth name of the Buddha
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Jabi, the Korean word for mercy
The name reflects Buddhist ideas of compassion and kindness.
This gave the robot a symbolic spiritual identity during the ceremony.
Buddhist Ceremony and Rituals
Robot Participated in Religious Traditions
During the precept ceremony, Gabi:
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Bowed before senior monks
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Pledged devotion to Buddhism
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Received Buddhist blessings
The ceremony followed important Buddhist traditions.
However, some rituals were modified because Gabi is a robot.
For example, the traditional yeonbi practice was replaced during the event.
Yeonbi usually involves receiving incense burns as a symbol of commitment.
Special Buddhist Precepts for Gabi
Modified Rules for a Robot Monk
The Jogye Order created five special precepts for Gabi.
These included: