Yeon Deung Hoe, the Lotus Lantern Festival, recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and designated as a national intangible cultural asset representing South Korea, commenced with a dazzling opening ceremony at Gwanghwamun Square.

The Lotus Lantern Festival Preservation Committee and the Committee for Celebrating Buddha's Birthday (Chairman Venerable Jinwoo, President of the Jogye Order) held the opening ceremony for B.E 2568 (2024) on April 17th at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. The ceremony was attended by the president of the Jogye Order, Venerable Jinwoo; celebrated monastics of the Order; Seoul’s Mayor, Oh Se-hoon; Director of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Jung Yong-uk; and many others totaling 1500. 

This year, the pagoda lantern modeled after the Nine-story Wooden Pagoda of Hwangryongsa was lit up, which is highly acclaimed for its splendid decoration surpassing previous years’ pagoda lanterns, combining traditional Hanji (Korean paper) that allows people to experience softness and warmth. It symbolizes people’s wishes for peace of mind and a happy world, which will shine brightly until May 15th.

Venerable Jinwoo expressed his hope that the nine-story pagoda lantern of Hwangryongsa at Gwanghwamun would serve as a beacon of wisdom and enlightenment, guiding the people of the nation towards the path of peace and leading individuals to become the protagonist of their own lives. He wished for the entire nation to embrace a happy world through inner peace by reminding ourselves that happiness comes when we are still. 

Subsequently, representatives and attendees circumambulated the lighting pagoda, making vows to widely spread the intention of Buddha's arrival on this land by chanting Shakyamuni Buddha’s name.

 *Pictures is from www.ibulgyo.com