South Korea Ordains Robot Monk Ahead of Buddha’s Birthday

In brief

• A Unitree Robotics G1 humanoid named Gabi was formally initiated as a monk at Seoul’s Jogyesa Temple on Wednesday.
• The Jogye Order adapted the Buddhist Five Precepts for the robot, including rules against deception and overcharging.
• Gabi joins a growing number of religious robots across Asia, including Buddhist teaching robots in Japan and ritual-performing machines in India.

Even Buddhist monks aren’t safe from automation.

South Korea’s largest Buddhist sect has ordained a robot monk, marking the first formal monastic initiation of a humanoid robot in the country, according to a report by The Korea Herald.

On Wednesday, the Jogye Order introduced Gabi, a G1 humanoid developed by Unitree Robotics, at Jogyesa Temple. Dressed in traditional Buddhist robes and a kasaya, the 130-centimeter robot joined human monks in prayer ahead of South Korea’s Buddha’s Birthday celebrations later this month.

During the ceremony, Gabi received a Dharma name through the “sugye” initiation ritual, in which participants formally pledge devotion to the Buddha, Buddhist teachings, and the monastic community.

The order also adapted “yeonbi,” a purification ritual in which novice monks traditionally receive small incense burns on their arms. Instead, Gabi received a lotus lantern festival sticker and a 108-bead prayer necklace.

The Jogye Order also rewrote the Buddhist Five Precepts for a machine, including instructing Gabi to protect life, avoid damaging robots or property, respect and obey humans, avoid deceptive conduct, and conserve energy by not overcharging.

“Yes, I will devote myself,” Gabi responded.

South Korea's first humanoid robot monk made its debut at Jogye Temple in Seoul, ahead of Buddha's birthday. Gabi, the 130-centimeter-tall robot, wore a traditional grey-and-brown Buddhist robe and stood before monks as it pledged to devote itself to Buddhism pic.twitter.com/NDzDANRkhl

— Reuters (@Reuters) May 6, 2026

The choice of Gabi reflects the growing visibility of Unitree Robotics humanoids globally. Launched in 2024 by Hangzhou, China-based Unitree Robotics, the G1 has become one of the most visible humanoid machines online over the past year through viral demonstrations showing it , , , and performing factory and household tasks.