The Lotus Lantern Festival, a spectacular annual event in Seoul, South Korea, recently captivated approximately 50,000 attendees. Despite the rainy weather, the festival brought joy and color to the streets, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and spiritual message of Buddhism. The parade, which dates back over a millennium and is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, featured a grand display of illuminated lotus lanterns, floats, and performers.
The Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul, South Korea, is a centuries-old tradition that transforms the city into a vibrant display of lanterns, parades, and cultural events. Held annually in May, this festival celebrates Buddha’s birthday and symbolizes the light of wisdom guiding people towards enlightenment. Visitors from around the world flock to Seoul to witness the stunning spectacle of hand-crafted lotus-shaped lanterns illuminating the streets. The festival offers a profound cultural experience, promoting peace and compassion through workshops, exhibitions, and performances that delve into Korean Buddhism and traditions. The integration of festival activities with Seoul’s historical landmarks and attractions creates a comprehensive travel experience, blending modern and traditional elements to captivate visitors.
This weekend, Seoul’s nocturnal landscape transformed into a luminous tapestry of colors and light for the annual Lotus Lantern Festival. The centuries-old tradition has evolved into a vibrant cultural event, attracting global travelers seeking unique experiences and a glimpse into Buddhist traditions. The festival’s international acclaim was solidified with its UNESCO intangible cultural heritage inscription in 2020.
Seoul has launched a new initiative, ‘Super Buddies,’ enlisting teams of dogs and their owners to patrol neighborhoods and assist in crime prevention and safety measures. The program, initiated in 2022, has grown significantly, with 1,424 teams now actively participating. These canine patrols support authorities in monitoring safety blind spots, locating missing individuals, and reporting suspicious activities. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon praised the initiative and emphasized its potential to foster a safer city.
