Colorful nights: lotus lantern festival starts Friday

The Lotus Lantern Festival, or “Yeondeunghoe,” is designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. / Korea Times file

By Baek Byung-yeul

Colorful lotus lanterns will illuminate Buddhist temples in Seoul and the city’s downtown stream of Cheonggyecheon from May 10 to 12 to celebrate the 2,576th birthday of Buddha, which falls on May 17.

The Lotus Lantern Festival, or "Yeondeunghoe,’’ is designated as the country’s Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 122, and considered the country’s oldest surviving cultural festival, dating back to the Silla Kingdom (B.C. 57-A.D. 935), when Buddhism was the state religion.

In Buddhism, lighting lanterns symbolizes a wish to brighten the darker side of the world and represents a devotion to performing good deeds. It’s traditionally held on the day of ``Daeboreum,’’ or the first full moon of the lunar calendar.

The festival has become increasingly foreigner-friendly over the years as organizers continue to develop it as a tourist attraction.

Events at a glance

-Exhibition of Traditional Lanterns

The exhibition will feature traditional lanterns made of “hanji,” traditional handmade Korean paper.

May 10-17 (Friday-Monday)

Bongeun Temple (Samseong Station, subway line 2)

Jogye Temple (Anguk Station, subway line 3)

Cheonggyecheon area (Jonggak Station, subway line 1)

-Eouilim Madang (Celebration of Cheer Rally)

At the Dongguk University Stadium, visitors will be invited to join traditional song and dance programs before moving onto the streets for the Lotus Lantern Parade.

May 11 (Saturday) 4:30-6 p.m.

Dongguk University Stadium (Dongguk University Station, subway line 3)

-Lantern Parade

Walking from Dongdaemun to Jogye Temple, thousands of participants will illuminate the streets holding lotus-shaped lanterns.

May 11 (Saturday) 7-9:30 p.m.

Advised to join the parade at any of the following stations:

Jongno 3-ga Station (subway lines 1, 3 and 5)

Jonggak Station (subway line 1)

Jongno 5-ga Station (subway line 1)

-Hoehyang Hanmadang (Post-Parade Celebration)

Considered the most enjoyable part of the festival, participants will be invited to participate in song, dance and music after the lantern parade

May 11 (Saturday) 9:30-11 p.m.

Jonggak Intersection (Jonggak Station, subway line 1)

-Traditional Cultural Events

In booths in front of Jogye Temple, visitors can make their own lanterns, taste temple food, play traditional temple games and experience other elements of traditional Buddhist culture

May 12 (Sunday) Noon-7 p.m.

Street in front of Jogye Temple

(Jonggak Station, subway line 1 / Anguk Station, subway line 3)

-Yeondeungnori (Final Celebration)

The acting out of a feast, by Lotus Lantern performance groups will end the festival.

May 12 (Sunday) 7-9 p.m.

Insadong Street in front of Jogye Temple

For more information, call (02) 2011-1744 or visit www.LLF.or.kr/eng.