Lotus Lantern Festival to be held in Seoul

Where colours & folktales light the way
2023-05-11
/
/ New Delhi
/ Events
Lotus Lantern Festival
Lotus Lantern Festival to be held in Seoul

As spring flowers bloom, entire South Korea is illuminated with the largest Buddhist festival in the nation

Colouring South Korea yet again in its exuberant hues, the annual Lotus Lantern Festival or Yeondeunghoe is scheduled to be held from May 19-21.
5/5 - (2 votes)

One of the key cultural highlights of South Korea, the Lotus Lantern Festival is set to return to enthrall residents and tourists alike when it is held from May 19-21 in the country.

In 2020, UNESCO added the Lotus Lantern Festival to its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. A trademark of the festival is that it has a new theme each year that showcases characters from the Korean folktales. Streets, Buddhist temples, malls and every nook and corner of South Korea is adorned with teeming lanterns that denote the expelling of darkness with a glow that enlightens the world. The festival derives its name from the traditionally used lotus lanterns that illuminate the heart and sky of both the world and South Korea.

Upholding the essence of any other tradition as such, the Lotus Lantern Festival and Parade in South Korea unites people of all faiths and beliefs in the shared excitement of a festival of lights, each flame burning with its very own hue and temperament.

Lantern parade 

Yeondeunghoe Lantern parade

The huge Lotus Lantern Parade is renowned for a colourful mayhem through the streets

Yeondeunghoe is observed with a multitude of activities, the most notable of which is a huge Lotus Lantern Parade that is renowned for a colourful mayhem through the streets of Seoul’s Jongno District for an entire night. The festival commences with the lightning of the Grand Ornate Lantern located at the Seoul Plaza. Giant dragons, butterflies, elephants, tigers, pagodas as well as the four heavenly kings and more, in various shapes and sizes of wonder stretch dreamily down and across the wide streets of Seoul.

Hanji exhibitions 

Lotus Lantern Festival

Two weeks in May are dedicated to the lantern show

As spring flowers bloom, entire South Korea is illuminated with the largest Buddhist festival in the nation. Every year, two weeks in May are dedicated to the lantern show. In addition to the lantern parade, there are also various traditional Korean performances such as dance, music, and theatre shows. Cheonggyecheon Stream is one of the key places for the lantern exhibition. One can marvel at the unassuming charm of Korea’s traditional paper, hanji at one of the exhibition spots. The event also offers seminars and displays that feature traditional Korean arts and crafts like calligraphy, lantern-making, and traditional clothing.

Make a lantern or dance under confettis

Eoulim Madang is a preparation for the grand parade

As the first event of the festivities, the Eoulim Madang is a preparation for the grand parade. It is followed by the Hoehyang Hanmadang where people sing and dance as explosions of confetti fall overhead. Additionally, visitors can also paint, glue, and stamp a variety of Korean Buddhist crafts or create lotus lanterns, bracelets made from Buddhist prayer beads, traditional dolls, painted bowls and plates, and stamp prints with Buddhist symbols at the tents line the street in front of Jogyesa.

Follow the lanterns 

Lotus Lantern Festival

Beautiful lantern sculptures adorn the streets

Beautifully coloured lotus lanterns are hung across the streets and around temples all around the nation about a month before the enormous festival. Follow the lanterns along the street, which frequently bear the name of the closest temple, to be led to the nearest temple and bask in the beauty. Some unmissable Buddhist temples to visit include Suguksa temple, Bongwonsa temple, Gilsangsa and Bongeunsa Temple, Jogyesa as well as Jingwansa Temple, to experience the magical aura.

Food fiesta

svadore

There are numerous food stalls dotting the streets (Photo: svadore)

As there are numerous food stalls dotting the streets, the festival is also a chance to try delectable Korean cuisine. Exploring traditional Korean foods like Bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), Hotteok (sweet pancakes), and Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) are some popular picks among visitors. Other Korean traditional foods and street food are also some dishes to explore.

Leave a Reply

Get Magazine