Lotus Lantern Festival（Yeondeunghoe）

Name: Lotus Lantern Festival（Yeondeunghoe）
Start: 2025-05-02
End: 2025-05-03
Location: Seoul

Seoul’s River of Light and Prayers

2026/05/15 - 2026/05/16

Every spring, the heart of Seoul is gently illuminated by the Yeondeunghoe (Lotus Lantern Festival). With over a thousand years of history, this festival celebrates Buddha’s Birthday, filling streets and temples with color, light, and the prayers of the people. Whether you seek a spiritual experience, want to enjoy Korean culture and art, or simply wish to witness one of Asia’s most enchanting nights, Yeondeunghoe offers an unforgettable opportunity.

The reflections of countless lanterns on Cheonggyecheon Stream, the rhythm of drums and Buddhist chants, the scent of incense and sweet rice cakes, and the delicate feel of hanji paper in your hands… Even strangers naturally connect with smiles, and the entire city is wrapped in a gentle air of peace and happiness.

Main Attractions

Lantern Parade

The highlight of the festival is the grand lantern parade along Jongno Street. Tens of thousands walk with lotus lanterns in hand, while giant lantern floats shaped like dragons, elephants, and Buddhas light up the night sky. Traditional music, monks in ceremonial robes, and groups from across Korea and abroad join in, creating a river of light flowing through Seoul.

Lantern Making Workshops & Temple Fairs

Before the parade, lantern-making workshops are held at Jogyesa Temple and on the streets, where you can fold colorful hanji paper into lotus or animal-shaped lanterns. Temple fairs offer calligraphy, temple cuisine tastings, and corners where you can tie your wishes to lanterns. The air is filled with the scent of incense, the sound of paper, and laughter.

Traditional Performances & Rituals

During the festival, there are many stages for traditional music, Buddhist chants, and folk dances. Monks perform peace prayers, and the lighting of the main lantern is a moving moment filled with hope. At night, lanterns are floated on Cheonggyecheon Stream, their light and prayers reflecting on the water in a magical scene.

Costumes and Decorations

Many participants wear hanbok or monks’ robes, enhancing the beauty of the festival. The city is adorned with countless lanterns, lotus motifs, and colorful banners, while temples are filled with lanterns hung from the ceiling, each carrying the wishes of visitors and devotees.

Traditional Food & Drink

Enjoy temple dishes like lotus root salad, sweet rice cakes (tteok), and herbal teas. Street stalls serve hotteok (sweet pancakes), yakgwa (honey cookies), and fresh juices. The aroma of roasted chestnuts and incense mingles with the spring night air, making food stalls a highlight of the festival.

Cultural and Historical Background

Yeondeunghoe traces its origins to the Silla Dynasty in the 7th century. As Buddhism spread as a state religion, lanterns were lit in temples and throughout the city to celebrate Buddha’s Birthday, giving thanks and praying for peace, abundance, and family well-being. Especially in royal palaces and temples, countless lights illuminated the night, marking the arrival of spring with solemn prayers.

Through the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties, Yeondeunghoe became popular among commoners as well, evolving into a “spring social event” where communities, families, and friends gathered to share wishes. Despite wars, social upheaval, and modernization, the prayers for hope, healing, and peace embodied in the lanterns have remained a spiritual pillar of Korean society.

Today, Yeondeunghoe has evolved into an open festival for all, regardless of age, nationality, or faith. Through lantern-making, parades, temple experiences, and traditional performances, it plays a major role in strengthening community bonds, fostering intergenerational and international exchange.

In 2020, Yeondeunghoe was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, recognized for its historical and cultural value. Lighting a lantern and entrusting it with your wishes symbolizes the universal hope to brighten the future for oneself, family, and society, making it an important moment of spring renewal, hope, and solidarity for the Korean people.

Participant Voices

As an exchange student, I was deeply moved by how warmly everyone welcomed me. I made a lotus lantern at Jogyesa, tasted temple food, and talked with monks about the meaning of the festival. It was an unforgettable night.

Fun Facts

Over 100,000 lanterns light up Seoul’s night during the festival each year.
With a history of over 1,200 years, it is one of Korea’s oldest traditional events.
Lanterns are made from hanji (traditional Korean paper), known for its strength and beauty.
The festival is open to everyone, regardless of religion or nationality.

Festival Dates

Yeondeunghoe is held every spring around Jogyesa Temple, Jongno Street, and Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul. Join the lantern parade, try making your own lantern, and experience the magic of sending your wishes into the night sky.

The event schedule is subject to change. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.