Thousands of South Koreans filled the streets of Seoul for the annual Yeon Deung Hoe festival, celebrating Buddha’s upcoming birthday. The festival, which began over 1,000 years ago, was recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2020.

Seoul

Thousands of South Koreans gathered in Seoul to partake in the annual Yeon Deung Hoe or Lotus Lantern Festival, an event commemorating Buddha's birthday. The festival, with roots stretching back over 1,200 years, fills the streets with a vibrant display of lights and decorations. Participants and monks paraded with paper and silk lanterns, showcasing creativity with designs ranging from intricate fire-breathing dragons to elegant crescent moons.

The Lotus Lantern Festival's historical significance and cultural impact were recognized globally when UNESCO included it in its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2020. The event not only celebrates a pivotal moment in Buddhism but also attracts tens of thousands of locals and tourists, underlining its status as an integral event in South Korea's cultural calendar. This festival offers both visitors and residents an opportunity to appreciate traditional customs and artistry.

For many attendees, the festival is a mesmerizing experience. Overseas or domestic visitors discover the festival as a vibrant tradition that showcases Korea's rich cultural heritage, often expressing surprise and delight at the stunning displays. The annual event continues to draw large crowds, reflecting its enduring appeal and its pivotal role in celebrating and preserving cultural traditions.



Lotus Lantern Festival draws thousands to celebrate Buddha’s birthday

A stream of glowing lights illuminated Seoul on Saturday. Monks carrying lanterns made of coloured paper and silk paraded towards the main temple of Korean Buddhism. While throughout the streets participants displayed their designs, from elaborate fire-breathing dragons to simple crescent moons, it was a delight for the spectators. When you travel you often get to see traditional festivals. I used to wonder, why don't we have things like this in Korea? I guess I was just overlooking what was right under my nose. It's really great. Yeah, this is my first time coming here and I'm really happy we decided to go here. The Seoul Lotus Lantern Parade is a tradition that dates back more than 1,200 years. It began as an event of Buddhist significance to mark the upcoming Buddha's birthday and has since grown into an annual culture festival, attracting tens of thousands of Koreans and visitors each year. In 2020, UNESCO added the Lotus Lantern Festival to its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.

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