Tips for a family-friendly Lotus Lantern Festival
The Lotus Lantern Parade advances through downtown Seoul along Jongno after dark on April 29, 2017. / Korea Times image by Jon Dunbar
By Hallie Bradley
Colorful lanterns have been strung up around the country, lining the streets and over Buddhist temples in anticipation of Buddha's birthday. This year Buddha's Birthday falls on May 12, but many events will be held earlier and later. Here's a look at the
with some family-friendly tips to enjoy everything that is available even with young children.
Eoulim Madang
Known as a Buddhist Cheer Rally, this event precedes the big Lotus Lantern Parade and takes place in Dongguk University Stadium. All participants in the parade gather to dance, sing and pray to get into the spirit of the occasion.
Family-friendly tip: If you have young ones that fall asleep early, head here in order to see the beautiful hanbok-clad parade participants while singing and dancing. Free lanterns are also provided.
When: May 4 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
How to get there: exit 6 of Dongguk University Station on Line 3. Take the escalator up and turn left at the top.
Lotus Lantern Parade
It's not often that the downtown area of Seoul is closed to traffic and people can take to the streets, but this event brings out over 300,000 people to do just that. The parade route kicks off in Dongdaemun and ends at Jonggak Station on Line 1. Spectators can see over 100,000 lanterns shaped like traditional lotus flowers as well as dragons, fire-breathing peacocks, tigers, elephants and more. Each group walking in the parade is dressed up in traditional Korean clothing, and throughout the parade route many of the participants will hand out their lanterns to spectators.
Family-friendly tip: The route is five very long blocks long and seats closer to the end near Jonggak fill up quickly a couple hours in advance of the event. If you're headed to the area with children, head to the beginning of the route between Dongdaemun and Jongno 5-ga; the seats there fill up about 30 minutes prior to the event and there is usually more space to spread out. Get to the area earlier to eat at a nearby restaurant or in a market. Gwangjang Market by exit 7 of Jongno 5-ga Station on Line 1 is a great place to grab a bite.
When: May 4 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
How to get there: Family-friendly seating as mentioned can be found by walking straight out exit 9 or 10 of Dongdaemun Station on lines 1 and 4, or from exit 4 or 5 of Jongno 5-ga Station on Line 1.
Traditional Culture Events Day
The street in front of Jogye Temple is lined with tents where people can make lotus flower lantern, string together a Buddhist prayer bead bracelet, make a traditional doll and paint bowls or plates, among other experiences that are offered for free or for a minimal fee for the materials. Throughout the day there will be performances and traditional ceremonies performed in the street as well.
Family-friendly tip: If your children like a more hands-on experience, this is a great event to attend. Don't miss going into nearby Jogye Temple to see the lotus lanterns strung up like a colorful ceiling across the courtyard.
When: May 5 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
How to get there: Take exit 2 of Jonggak Station on Line 1 or exit 6 of Anguk Station on Line 3.
Yeondeungnori
The final celebration features a mini-parade that runs down the main alley of Insa-dong, and then back up and around to Jogye Temple where there is a final performance to conclude the celebrations.
Family-friendly tip: If you just want to see the parade, get a seat in a restaurant or cafe along the main Insa-dong alley where you can sit in the window and watch while you eat. If you prefer to see the performance at the end, stay near Jogye Temple and look for the big mats that are set up for dancers; get seats along the edges as soon as they're placed down so you have the best seats in the house.
When: May 5 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
How to get there: Take exit 2 of Jonggak Station on Line 1 or exit 6 of Anguk Subway Station on Line 3.
Hallie Bradley is a writer based in Seoul and also has?
.