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Main Programs

● Exhibition of Traditional Lanterns
[Date] May 3 – 19
[Venue] Cheonggyecheon Stream, Joggyesa Temple, Bongeunsa Temple, and nearby areas

The Exhibition of Traditional Lanterns at Cheonggycheon Stream, Jogyesa Temple, and Bongeunsa Temple is as historical as it is breathtaking. Crafted from materials such as silk and hanji (traditional Korean paper), traditional Buddhist lanterns take the forms of fruits, animals, and other interesting shapes. The shapes and sophisticated patterns of each lantern symbolize different meanings, such as hopes for good health, longevity, or a bountiful harvest.

● Eoulim Madang: Buddhist Cheer Rally
[Date] May 11, 16:30 - 18:00
[Venue] Sports Arena of Dongguk Univ.

‘Eoullim Madang,’ happening on May 11 at 4:30 p.m., is full of songs and rhythmic beats aimed to spread the excitement of the festival. During this time, Buddhist organizations and devotees gather to begin celebrating the birth of Buddha.

● Lotus Lantern Parade
[Date] May 11, 19:00 - 21:30
[Venue] Dongguk Univ. -> Dongdaemun Gate (Heunginjimun Gate) -> Jogyesa Temple

The lantern parade, the highlight of the festival, starts at Dongguk University, runs through Dongdaemun Gate and ends at Jogyesa Temple. It lasts for about two hours and thirty minutes. Crowds carrying tens of thousands of specially made, brightly lit lanterns in the shapes of dragons, pagodas, white elephants, and lotus flowers parade down the street to the tune of Korean classical music. If you’re quick enough to grab seats in front of Tapgol Park you’ll be able to enjoy

● Hoehyang Hanmadang: Post-parade Celebration
[Date] May 11, 21:30 - 23:00
[Venue] Jonggak Intersection

The post-parade celebration, ‘Hoehyang Hanmadang,’ is held at the Jonggak Intersection. Events kick off with a dynamic performance and end with the time-honored ganggangsullae dance (a traditional circle dance), in which everyone holds hands to dance and sing among falling flower petals. The burning of written seowon (wishes and resolutions) is also scheduled to take place during this time.

● Traditional Cultural Events
[Date] May 12, 12:00 - 19:00
[Venue] The main street in front of Jogyesa Temple

The Traditional Cultural Events are held along the main street in front of Jogyesa Temple. The event offers opportunities to experience Buddhism culture along with traditional Korean culture.

During the festival, more than 100 booths are set up by Buddhist Monks and Nuns to demonstrate tea and bowing ceremonies. Festival goers can also paint pictures of Buddha, sit in Zen meditation, taste different temple foods, or create a manuscript of Buddhist scripture using powdered gold. The ‘Let’s Make Lotus Flower Lanterns’ program, where you can make wish lanterns of various shapes and sizes, and the traditional lantern making program for international visitors, give each individual at the festival a chance to join in the parade in a special way.

● Yeondeungnori: Final Celebration
[Date] May 20, 19:00-21:00
[Venue] Insa-dong -> Street in front of Jogyesa Temple

Yeondeungnori starts in Insa-dong and parades to the main street in front of Jogyesa Temple, where lantern carriers and performance groups join together for one huge celebration. After the parade is over, performers, onlookers, and tourists gather in front of Jogyesa Temple to enjoy the performances together.

List of Scheduled Events for 2013 Lotus Lantern Festival

Festival Tour Guide

One-day course: May 11th (Sat)
Two-day course: May 11th- 12th (Sat-Sun)

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