In preparation for the Buddha's birthday in B.E. 2569 (2025), the ceremony of lighting the Mireuksa Temple Pagoda Lantern, which symbolizes healing, peace, and harmony, was held at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul at 7 p.m. on April 2.

The lantern made of hanji, the traditional Korean handicraft paper, lit up Gwanghwamun Square. The lantern was created in the shape of the national treasure, the Stone Pagoda at Mireuksa Temple Site, and measures 19.5 meters, 70% of the actual size of the Stone Pagoda. It expresses the message of "healing, peace, and harmony," using the symbol of the Maitreya faith in the Baekje Dynasty, which represents compassion and peace.

"Just as the lotus flower releases a pure fragrance even when rooted in the mud, I hope that the flowers of compassion and love will bloom in the hearts of all of us even in times of hardship," said Most Ven. Jinwoo, Chairperson of the Buddha's Birthday Celebration Committee in his opening remarks. "When the heart is enlightened, the world becomes brighter. I hope we can become a bright light for our neighbors and the world by practicing daily to keep our hearts clean and upright."

"The thousand-year-old Stone Pagoda at Mireuksa Temple Site gives us a deep sense of enlightenment. The stone pagoda, which has withstood the test of time, proves that it can rise again and shine a light of hope in the midst of all difficulties," continued Ven. Jinwoo. "Just as the craftsmanship and devotion that went into each stone of the pagoda eventually restored it, so too can our society be reunited with solidarity and compassion."