Wednesday, May 15 marks this year's Buddha's Birthday. As a celebration of this spectacular event, South Korea will be blanketed with lantern festivals in May. Here is what you need to know for these upcoming events!
Parades and other festivities, which are held nationwide in light of Buddha's Birthday, with over a 1,000-year-long history, and these annual celebrations will continue until Sunday, May 19, 2024!
Follow Dojeon team member, Lewis, as he shares his personal experience in celebrating this holiday!
Events have been held all over the country, however since I am in Daegu, I headed to Damti Station area in Daegu for a lantern festival at Dongdaesa Temple. I have to say that it was really special, and created a reflective moment for me due to the tranquility and calmness which surrounded the area. Of course, it led to some great photos as well!
This year, I am also part of a local program, called Suesong Global Friends, where each month we head to different events, and experience the local culture and tourism! For the lantern festival, we had a group picnic which consisted of chicken (which Daegu is famous for), and then enjoyed soaking up the atmosphere!
I was really impressed with the 3,800 lanterns that were on display, as well as the star signs. However, for me, since we are in the year of the Dragon, the MASSIVE dragon lantern was my favorite!
As part of my trip, I got to look at traditional temples and architecture which is very different from Western-style buildings. The care and time it must have taken blew my mind as the detail was fantastic!
Let us know in the comments below if you did anything for this spectacular yearly event!
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