Adieu! The 2015 Lotus Lantern Festival
The festival’s huge scale is a result of so many locals and international visitors, with numbers approaching 300,000, in addition to other major and minor events offered on the day. It offers many interesting insights into better knowing Korea’s history and culture as people get to learn about Buddhism and its philosophies in this fun and festive environment. The 2015 celebration came to another successful end. Here are some of the highlights we’d like to share to those who weren’t able to join this year!
Reliving the moments
Street parades laden with gorgeous visuals
The highlight of the lotus lantern festival was the lantern parade! Starting at Heunginjimun Gate and stretching all the way to Gwanghwamun Square, this large scale parade was a true sight to behold. The float leading the procession carried a statue of Sacheonwangsang statue, a god that watches over the heavens. Following close behind was a lion and elephant float, symbolizing wisdom. In the middle of the floats were performers doing elegant and colorful dances, making the entire scene even more spectacular. There were many chairs set up along the street at Jongno, making it easy for viewers to rest their legs as they enjoyed the parade.
☞ Venue: Main area of Jongno Street (Heunginjimun Gate → Gwanghwamun Square)
☞ Directions:
Dongdaemun Station (Seoul Subway Line 4), Exit 9
or
Dongdaemun Station (Seoul Subway Line 1), Exit 6. Find the parade after walking for 3 to 4 minutes.
☞ Date: May 16, 2015 starting at 18:00
☞ Directions:
Dongdaemun Station (Seoul Subway Line 4), Exit 9
or
Dongdaemun Station (Seoul Subway Line 1), Exit 6. Find the parade after walking for 3 to 4 minutes.
☞ Date: May 16, 2015 starting at 18:00
Lotus lanterns illuminate Seoul’s nightscape
Photo: Fantastic lantern display at Cheonggyecheon StreamIn remembrance of “the day Buddha came to us,” there were also various Buddhism-related exhibits happening all over Seoul. There were events at Bongeunsa Temple, Jogyesa Temple by Ujeong Park, and Cheongyecheon Stream, which was adorned with thousands of lanterns giving off a subtle, dim light that soaked the area in a soft, warm glow. There was also a vast array of artworks about Buddhism, lotus flowers, and Dabotap Pagoda, all under a common theme: “Hoehyang, enlightenment in our daily lives.”
☞ Venue: Cheongyecheon Stream, Jogyesa Temple, and Bongeunsa Temple
☞ Directions:
-Cheonggye Plaza
Three-minute walk from Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 5.
-Jogyesa Temple
Jonggak Station (Seoul Subway Line 1), Exit 2
Go 200 m straight from the exit to reach Joggyesa Temple.
or
Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 6
Go 130 m straight from the exit, and turn left at Anguk Intersection (안국동 사거리).
Go 200 m ahead to arrive at Jogyesa Temple.
-Bongeunsa Temple
Samseong Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), Exit 6
Go 600 straight from the exit and turn left.
Go 150 m ahead to reach Bongeunsa Temple.
☞ Date: May 15-26, 2015
☞ Directions:
-Cheonggye Plaza
Three-minute walk from Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 5.
-Jogyesa Temple
Jonggak Station (Seoul Subway Line 1), Exit 2
Go 200 m straight from the exit to reach Joggyesa Temple.
or
Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 6
Go 130 m straight from the exit, and turn left at Anguk Intersection (안국동 사거리).
Go 200 m ahead to arrive at Jogyesa Temple.
-Bongeunsa Temple
Samseong Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), Exit 6
Go 600 straight from the exit and turn left.
Go 150 m ahead to reach Bongeunsa Temple.
☞ Date: May 15-26, 2015
Do-it-yourself activities with lotus lantern crafts
Jogyesa Temple is the center of Zen Buddhism in Korea, and is famous for being located amidst the busy urban environment of Seoul. Over 100 event booths from Buddhist organizations welcome thousands of visitors, whether Buddhist practitioners or not, in order to offer both Koreans and foreign visitors a chance to experience the enticing facets of the religion. Perhaps the most famous activity among them is making your own paper lantern shaped into a lotus flower at the end. Visitors are highly recommended to try out this craft class when visiting the Jongno area around this time of the year.
☞ Venue: Jogyesa Temple and vicinity
☞ Directions:
Jonggak Station (Subway Line 1), Exit 2.
Go 70 m straight from the exit, then cross the street.
Go 100 more meters to arrive at the path to Jogyesa Temple.
or
Anguk Station (Subway Line 3), Exit 6.
Go 50 m straight from the exit, then cross the street in front of Dongduk Gallery.
Go 50 m ahead to arrive at the road to Jogyesa Temple.
☞ Date: May 17, 2015 / 11:00 and 14:00
☞ Directions:
Jonggak Station (Subway Line 1), Exit 2.
Go 70 m straight from the exit, then cross the street.
Go 100 more meters to arrive at the path to Jogyesa Temple.
or
Anguk Station (Subway Line 3), Exit 6.
Go 50 m straight from the exit, then cross the street in front of Dongduk Gallery.
Go 50 m ahead to arrive at the road to Jogyesa Temple.
☞ Date: May 17, 2015 / 11:00 and 14:00
Experiential Buddhism programs right on the street!
The best thing about the lantern parade was that it is a completely unique experience that you can’t find anywhere else. All in one place, visitors can satisfy all of their senses through seeing performances, trying food, and partaking in experiential programs that convey the traditions of Buddhism. If you have an opportunity in the future, be sure to try the experiential program held at the Traditional Culture Event Madang. When your mind and body is weary from traveling, try the meditation or the food tasting, and when you’re looking for a unique, fun experience, try your hand at the beobgo, a traditional Buddhist drum.
☞ Venue: Jogyesa Temple area
☞ Directions:
Jonggak Station (Subway Line 1), Exit 2.
Go 70 m straight from the exit then cross the street.
Go 100 more meters to arrive at the road to Jogyesa Temple.
or
Anguk Station (Subway Line 3), Exit 6.
Go 50 m straight from the exit, then cross the street in front of Dongduk Gallery.
Go 50 more meters to arrive at the road to Jogyesa Temple.
☞ Date: May 17, 2015 / 12:00-19:00
☞ Directions:
Jonggak Station (Subway Line 1), Exit 2.
Go 70 m straight from the exit then cross the street.
Go 100 more meters to arrive at the road to Jogyesa Temple.
or
Anguk Station (Subway Line 3), Exit 6.
Go 50 m straight from the exit, then cross the street in front of Dongduk Gallery.
Go 50 more meters to arrive at the road to Jogyesa Temple.
☞ Date: May 17, 2015 / 12:00-19:00
More Info
Lotus Lantern Festival
☞ Festival period: Buddha’s Birthday (April 15 on the lunar calendar) / Festival activities begin 2 weeks ahead of Buddha’s Birthday.
☞ Venue: Jongno Street (Heunginjimun Gate –> Jogyesa Temple), Jogyesa Temple
☞ Website: www.llf.or.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, French, German, Spanish)
☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Lotus Lantern Festival
☞ Festival period: Buddha’s Birthday (April 15 on the lunar calendar) / Festival activities begin 2 weeks ahead of Buddha’s Birthday.
☞ Venue: Jongno Street (Heunginjimun Gate –> Jogyesa Temple), Jogyesa Temple
☞ Website: www.llf.or.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, French, German, Spanish)
☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
*This column was last updated on May 2015, and
therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise
you to check details from the official website before visiting.
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