Every year throughout the month of May, cities across South Korea come alive with vibrant colors and shimmering lanterns to celebrate Buddha’s birthday. This annual event is more than just a mere festivity; it’s a lively celebration of Buddhist spirituality and the rich Korean culture.
In May 2024, I found myself in Busan, where I had the opportunity to explore various locations and participate in the Lantern Festival. Here’s my firsthand account.
The festival kicks off at Citizen Park
Upon arriving at Citizen Park, the venue for the festival, I was immediately struck by the incredible turnout of people dressed in traditional Korean attire, known as hanbok.
Sumptuous dresses and elegant costumes mingled in an explosion of colors, showcasing the diversity and beauty of Korean culture. The pathways were bustling with a cheerful crowd, eager to partake in this unique celebration.
Immersed in Korean tradition
The traditional Korean costumes, far from the simple outfits often found in tourist shops, took center stage at this festival. There were truly an incredible number of different attires on display.
I was warmly welcomed by festival-goers, who seemed delighted to share their culture and take photos with visitors. The atmosphere was electric, infused with palpable excitement as the eagerly anticipated parade drew near.
A buddhist ceremony
At the heart of the park, a stage was set for a Buddhist ceremony, reminding everyone that this festival is, above all, a celebration of spirituality. Monks and nuns, dressed in their religious garments, prepared for prayers and meditations to follow.
It was a moment of solemnity and deep connection with the teachings of Buddha. However, if you’re not Buddhist, there’s no obligation or pressure to participate. The park is so vast!
The grand parade
As festival-goers gathered and soaked in the festive atmosphere, organizers worked behind the scenes to prepare for the much-awaited parade. Lanterns, symbols of light and spiritual illumination, were meticulously arranged and placed along the procession route. As night fell and daylight gave way to darkness, the parade commenced in all its splendor.
The lanterns, now illuminated from within, illuminated the path for festival-goers. The floats, resembling giant lanterns, paraded majestically, depicting a variety of motifs such as mythical animals, meditating monks, sacred temples, and traditional musical instruments.
The result is impressive. I don’t know how many hours of work were needed to make each float, but it’s truly wow.
Thanks to Claire from “Claire, on y va” ‘s Blog
I would like to express my gratitude to Claire from the Claire, on y va! blog for sharing valuable information about this exceptional event. Thanks to her insightful tips, I was able to discover and participate in this incredible festival, enriching my travel experience in Busan.
Bonus, exploring Samgwangsa temple
In addition to the Lantern Festival, a must-visit destination is the majestic Samgwangsa Temple. Nestled in the heart of the city, this temple is renowned for its magnificent lantern decoration.
Upon my arrival at Samgwangsa Temple, I was captivated by the dazzling array of lanterns adorning every corner of the temple. I recommend going up to the temple’s upper level and around the hills to see the extent of the lanterns. It’s enchanting.
Thousands of colorful lanterns gracefully hang from buildings, trees, and structures, creating a breathtaking sight, especially at night.
It’s clearly an unmissable stop during the Lantern Festival.
The Lantern Festival in Busan is more than just an event; it’s a sensory and spiritual experience that leaves a lasting impression on those who participate. Between the beauty of the illuminated lanterns, the serenity of the ceremonies, and the festive atmosphere, this festival truly embodies the spirit of Korean culture and Buddhist philosophy. If you have the opportunity to attend this magical celebration, don’t miss it; it will transport you to a world of beauty and spirituality.
