Lotus Lantern Festival

The Lotus Lantern Festival, or Yeondeunghoe, is a vibrant Korean celebration held on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month to mark Buddha's Birthday. Across South Korea, thousands of lanterns light up temples, streets, and homes, symbolizing hope, unity, and the awakening of true nature.

• Celebrated on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month
• Lanterns symbolize light, hope, and unity
• UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2020
• Grand parade in Seoul’s Jongno District
• Lanterns range from lotus flowers to dragons and tigers

What it is

The Lotus Lantern Festival, known locally as Yeondeunghoe, is a cherished Buddhist celebration in Korea that honors the birth of the Buddha. Lanterns of all shapes and sizes illuminate temples, homes, and city streets, creating a glowing spectacle that draws communities together. The festival is deeply meaningful to participants, who see the lanterns as symbols of light, hope, and unity. For many, it is a time to reflect on compassion and to wish happiness for themselves and others, while also celebrating Korea’s rich cultural heritage.

Where it comes from

Yeondeunghoe traces its roots back over 1,200 years, with origins linked to the Palgwanhoe festival begun in 551 during the Silla Dynasty. Historical records mention grand lantern events at Hwangnyongsa Temple in Gyeongju as early as 866. In its earliest forms, the festival combined Buddhist lantern offerings with ancestral rites to the dragon god, seeking blessings for farmers and the nation. Over centuries, Yeondeunghoe evolved into a major Buddhist and cultural event, recognized today for its inclusivity and its role in bringing people together.

How it is celebrated

The festival begins with a ritual bathing of a baby Buddha statue, where water is gently poured over the image’s head and shoulders. Lanterns, crafted from bamboo or wire frames and covered in traditional Hanji paper, are displayed everywhere—from temples to private homes and in lively parades. Designs range from simple lotus flowers to elaborate figures like dragons, tigers, and historical icons. Community workshops invite people of all ages to make their own lanterns, often using tissue paper petals and glue. While candles were once used, most lanterns now glow safely with LED lights. The highlight is the grand lantern parade, especially in Seoul’s Jongno District, where thousands gather to walk together, carrying lanterns and sharing wishes for happiness and peace.

Joining in

Visitors are warmly welcomed to join the Lotus Lantern Festival, with Seoul’s Jongno District—home to Jogyesa Temple—offering the most renowned celebrations. Expect to see streets transformed by rivers of glowing lanterns and to witness or join the grand parade. Many temples and community centers host lantern-making workshops, where newcomers can craft their own lantern and learn about the festival’s meaning. The atmosphere is joyful and inclusive, making it easy for anyone to take part, whether by watching the parade, joining in the workshops, or simply enjoying the illuminated cityscape.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Yeondeunghoe, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Yeondeunghoe on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• UNESCO Intangible Cultural HeritageArticle
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources listed above, and checked automatically before publishing. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.