We’ll have a 3-day weekend next month as we’ll celebrate Buddha’s Birthday on May 21, which thankfully is a Friday. On my way to work on a rainy Thursday afternoon, I saw this scene near Dongdaemun. The men in their raincoats were busy hanging the lanterns in preparation for Buddha’s Birthday.
Every year, a lantern parade is held in central Seoul Dongdaemun to Jongmyo. This is a must-see event as thousands of lanterns from countries where Buddhism exists are paraded along the busy avenue. I was there last year as well as the previous years. If you’re ever in Seoul on May 16, don’t miss this spectacular event. It’s just so much fun – the lanterns, music, dances, costumes!
You can even participate by bringing your own lantern. It doesn’t have to be expensive, you can use a carton and use a box cutter to make it into a lantern. If you want to be more “artistic”, paint some lotus on it.
Hopefully, I’ll be posting some pictures of the parade next month. Before that, I’ll be posting some Buddhist temples in Korea that I’ve visited over the years.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Ohh! I’ll be in Seoul for the whole month of May and it’s my first time there. I would love to watch the parade! Do they have like a sort of festival after the parade? Much like the japanese ones?
.-= Kimmy´s last blog ..Project Vanity and Carefreeshopper NYX Giveaway =-.
Hi, ur blog is great~
hope we can b friends~
lei
yan pala yung lantern festival. akala ko eh kung para san lang yung mga lantern na yun… hehehe. idenedecorate pa nga nung iba sa haus nila eh..
.-= Rickspot´s last blog ..When Updating Your Blog Becomes a Burden… =-.
Yey! It’s coming soon! A long week-end for us!!
Is the parade happening on the 16th this year or on the 21st?
Hello, I just heard if from my student. Its my first time heard about this buddha birthday.
.-= Ada´s last blog ..Your Existence =-.