Lotus lantern festival lights up after two-year break

In celebration of Buddha’s 2,566th birthday which falls on May 8 this year, major Buddhist temples and the Cheonggye Stream area in central Seoul have been lit up with thousands of lotus lanterns.

Although the official Yeondeunghoe, the lantern lighting festival, will be held for three days starting Friday, the festive mood will continue on with most lanterns staying lit through May 10.

In December 2020, Yeondeunghoe was officially inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This year marks the first Yeondeunghoe after the UNESCO listing, since the Buddhist community canceled the parade for two years due to the pandemic. 

Yeondeunghoe, which was first recorded during the Silla Kingdom (57 BC - AD 935), has been maintained through the Joseon era even as Confucianism prevailed.

“Exhibition of Traditional Lanterns” showcases lotus lanterns made of hanji, traditional paper made from mulberry trees, as well as lanterns in various shapes and figures that symbolize the spirit of Buddhism. The exhibitions are taking place at two Buddhist temples -- Jogyesa in downtown Seoul and Bongeunsa in southern Seoul -- and along the Cheonggye Stream, which courses through central Seoul. The lanterns at Cheonggye Stream will stay lit from 5:30 p.m. to midnight daily.

The main events will be held on Saturday. 

“Eoulim Madang,” a Buddhist cheer rally, will be held at the Dongguk University Stadium from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

One of the highlights of the celebrations, “Lantern Parade,” will take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., starting at Heunginjimun near Dongdaemun Station and make its way through the central downtown area of Jongno-gu before ending at Jogyesa. Those hoping to catch the parade can get off the subway at Jongno 3-ga, Jongno 5-ga and Jonggak stations.

Saturday’s events will come to a close with “Hoehyang Hanmadang,” a post-parade celebration, which will be held at the Jonggak intersection from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. 

Anyone can participate in the parade march, both in person and online as avatars, by registering through the Yeondeunghoe website or at Jogyesa.

Events on Saturday will be broadcast live for seven hours on two Buddhist television channels, BTN and BBS, and their respective YouTube channels.

Traditional cultural events and performances, such as lantern-making sessions and “madangnori” -- outdoor theatrical performances that actively engages the audience -- will be held around Jogyesa on Sunday, from noon to 7 p.m.

The final celebration, “Yeondeungnori” will be held in front of Jogyesa from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

On May 8, all temples throughout the country will be holding ceremonies to celebrate Buddha’s birthday.

By Kim Hae-yeon (hykim@heraldcorp.com)