Lotus Lantern Festival for Buddha’s Birthday – Wish each other’s happiniess
May 25th is Buddha’s Birthday! That day is national holiday in Korea and many people, even non believer, visit temples scattered around the country to celebrate Buddha’s Birthday.
To enjoy the day more specially and learn Buddha’s teachings, The Lotus Lantern Festival will take place from May 15 – 26th in the Jogyesa Temple, Ujeongguk-ro and Gwanghwamun areas.
Lantern is a special object in Buddhism because there is a Buddhist saying that goes: “Please attain Buddhism in your next lifetime by lighting a lantern in this life.” The saying is being realized by this festival.
▶Major events
[Exhibition of Traditional Lanterns]
May 15 ~ May 26
Jogye-Sa and Bongeun-Sa, ones of the most famous temples in Seoul are holding a special exhibition of traditional lanterns. You can browse through large and small, colorful lanterns made by devoted Buddhists.
Another way to enjoy lanterns is by visiting Cheonggyecheon, or Cheonggye Stream. The narrow stream will be decorated with numerous lanterns, creating dream-like atmosphere. Large lanterns will be placed on several platforms in the middle of the stream, perfect to take photos with or simply walk.
[Lantern Parade]
The main event of the festival is the Lantern Parade. The parade features a luminous sea of lights as countless people march from Dongdaemun to Gwangwamun Plaze with handheld lanterns.
As it allows everybody to enjoy, the participants are more than welcome to walk along the parade.
[Traditional Cultural Events]
The traditional cultural events will take place on the street in front of Jogye-sa temple. The whole street will full of interesting and educational booth set up by Bhddhists. Participants will be able to make lotus lanterns of their own, sample temple food, play folk
Visitors will also be able to experience Buddhist counseling and meditation to soothe the mind.
▶<2015 Schedule>
| Event | Time | Place |
| Exhibition of Traditional Lanterns | 5.15(Fri) ~ 5.26(Tues) | Jogye-sa, Bongeun-sa Temples / Cheonggye-cheon Stream |
| Eoullim Madang (Buddhist Cheer Rally) | 5.16(Sat) 3:30~ | Dongguk University Stadium |
| Lantern Parade | 5.16(Sat) 6:00~ pm | Jongno Street (Dongdaemun ~ Jogye-sa Temple) |
| Hoehyang Hanmadang (Post Parade Celebration) | 5.16(Sat) 9:30~11:00 pm | Gwanghwamun plaza (Subway Line 5, Gwanghwamun Station) |
| Traditional Cultural Events | 5.17(Sun) noon~7:00pm | Street in front of Jogye-sa Temple |
| Cultural Performances | 5.17(Sun) noon~6:00pm | Performance Stage on the street in front of Jogye-sa Temple |
| Yeondeungnori (Final Celebration) | 5.17(Sun) 7:00~9:00pm | Insa-dong ~ Street in front of Jogye-sa Temple |
| Buddha’s Birthday Dharma Ceremonay & Lantern Lighting | 5.25(Mon) 10:00am | Jogye-sa Temple and all temples nationwide |
For more information, visit official website : www.llf.or.kr/html/eng_index.asp
