On the occasion of the Buddha's birthday in B.E. 2569 (2025), Yeondeunghoe (the Lantern Lighting Festival), recognized as Korea’s National Intangible Heritage and UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, was held in Seoul on April 26-27, 2025.

The festival commenced on April 26 at the sports field of Dongguk University with the opening ceremony, during which attendees prayed for peace for all sentient beings and the world, reflecting on the meaning of the 2025 Buddha’s birthday slogan, 'Peaceful World, Compassionate Mind'. The event also featured awards ceremonies for the parade lanterns and celebratory stages with performances by 40 groups, including children's, youth, and young adult dance troupes, as well as over 1,000 individuals playing music, singing, and dancing to liven up the festival atmosphere. Most Ven. Somdej Phra Maha Theerachan, a member of the Thai Supreme Sangha Council, Most Ven. Hattori Shusei, the Secretary General of Japanese Soto School, Most Ven. Haejeon, Vice Abbot of Fo Guang Shan Monastery in Taiwan, and Most Ven. Vedanta Saranankar Mohantra, Abbot of the Gayanasarana Order in Bangladesh, are among the special guests from around the world who joined the celebration. 

“A little kindness, a warm gaze, and compassionate acts for each other will be the light illuminating the world,” said Most Ven. Jinwoo, Chairperson of the Buddha’s Birthday Celebration Committee. He prayed, “May that light eventually drive away all darkness and usher in a new era of peace and hope.”

The lantern parade, the event’s centerpiece, began at 7 p.m. at Dongguk University, continued through Heunginjimun Gate, passed Jonggak, and culminated at Jogyesa Temple. Tens of thousands of colorful lanterns and 161 majestic lanterns meticulously crafted by participating organizations lit up the city of Seoul.