Yeon Deung Hoe (Lighting Lantern Festival)

Korea’s Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 122
Yeon Deung Hoe (Lighting Lantern Festival) in Seoul

May 15 (Fri) ~ 17 ( Sun), 2015 (2559 Buddhist Era)

[Buddha’s Birthday]

The 8^thday of the 4^thlunar month is the Buddha’s Birthday.

Temples nationwide light lanterns to symbolically transmit the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha.

They also perform ceremonies in celebration of his birth.

Yeon Deung Hoe (Lighting Lantern Festival)

The Yeon Deung Hoe Festival originated in the Silla era more than 1,300 years ago. It has since been passed down through the Goryeo era, the Joseon era (where it was called “Palgwan Hoe”), and is still an annual tradition today. This traditional festival is designated Korea’s Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 122.

By lighting lanterns at the Yeon Deung Hoe Festival, participants brighten their own hearts as well as the world.

People flock to South Korea from all over the world to attend this festival.

Korea’s lantern festival is a venue where the hearts of all participants come together as one!

A festival in which all participants wish for each other’s happiness!

We invite all to share the millennial heritage of “Yeon Deung Hoe,” the Lighting Lantern Festival!

Exhibition of
Traditional
Lanterns

Come and absorb the spirit of the lanterns!
With soft, lovely light the lanterns convey the aspirations
and careful attention to detail of their creators. You can browse
through traditional hanji paper lanterns in all colors and shapes.
May. 15 (Fri) ~ May. 26 (Tue)
Jogye-sa Temple (Subway Line-3, Anguk Station)
Bongeun-sa Temple (Subway Line-2, Samseong Station)
Cheonggye-cheon Stream Area (Subway Line-1, Jonggak Station)

Eoullim
Madang
(Buddhist
Cheer Rally)

A round of cheerful togetherness to excite you!
Before marching onto the streets to begin the lantern parade,
participants heighten their joy watching the spectacular dance
movements and upbeat songs held on stage by various performance
groups. Afterward is the ceremony of bathing the baby Buddha and a
Dharma service.
May. 16 (Sat) 3:30 pm ~
Dongguk University Stadium
(Subway Line-3, Dongguk Univ. Station)

Lantern
Parade

All participants become stars of the luminous
lantern parade!
Thousands of lanterns create magnificent waves of light that flow through
the heart of metropolitan Seoul like an earthbound Milky Way.
Anyone can participate and become a star of the festival.
May. 16 (Sat) 6:00 pm ~
Along Jongno Street (From Dongdaemun Gate to Gwanghwamun plaza)
(You can enjoy the parade at any of the following stations: Subway Lines 1, 3, 5 at
Jongno 3-ga Station / Line 1 Jonggak Station or Jongno 5-ga Station)

Hoehyang
Hanmadang
(Post-Parade
Celebration)

The rain of flower petalsexpresses the aspiration
for happiness for all!
The cultural performances unfolding under a rain of flowers and the lively
group dance of Ganggang Sullae bring all participants together as one,
transcending nationality, gender, ethnicity and religion.
May. 16 (Sat) 9:30 ~ 11:00 pm
Gwanghwamun Plaza(Subway Line-5, Gwanghwamun Station)

Traditional
Cultural
Events

A variety of hands-on experiences to satisfy your
senses!
The street festival pulsates with the unique aesthetics of Korea.
You can enjoy various cultural experiences including making lanterns
and sampling temple food.
May. 17 (Sun) Noon ~ 7:00 pm
Street in front of Jogye-sa Temple
(Subway Line-1, Jonggak Station / Line-3, Anguk Station)

Cultural
Performances

See lively performances overflowing with deep
emotion and joy.
Come and enjoy traditional folk performances like songs, dances and
rope walking, along with Buddhist performances and various traditional
performances from other Asian countries.
May. 17 (Sun) Noon ~ 6:00 pm
Performance Stage on the street in front of Jogye-sa Temple
(Subway Line-1, Jonggak Station / Line-3, Anguk Station)

Yeondeung
nori
(Final Celebration)

Beautiful performances and a mini parade of
splendid lanterns
Following the performance groups, another lantern parade will be held to
express the aspiration for peace and happiness all over the world.
May. 17 (Sun) 7:00 ~ 9:00 pm
Insa-dong ~ Street in front of Jogye-sa Temple
(Subway Line-1, Jonggak Station / Line-3, Anguk Station)

SUGGESTED ITINERARY FOR TWO DAYS

One day tour: May 16 (Sat)
Two day tour: May 16 (Sat) ~ 17 (Sun)

May 16 (Sat)

Time	Location	Activity
Afternoon	Jogye-sa, Bongeun-sa Temples / Cheonggye-cheon area	View Exhibition of Traditional Lanterns
5 pm	Vicinity of Insa-dong	Have dinner
6 pm	Jongno Street	Watch lantern parade
9:30 pm	Gwanghwamun plaza	Participate in Hoehyang Hanmadang (Post-Parade Celebration) (end around 11 pm)

May 17 (Sun)

Time	Location	Activity
2pm	Street in front of Jogye-sa Temple	Participate in Traditional Cultural Events / View Cultural Performances
5pm	Vicinity of Insa-dong	Have dinner
7pm	Insa-dong-gil	Watch final celebration parade
8pm	Street in front of Jogye-sa Temple	Enjoy performances (ends around 9 pm)