Buddhist or not, the Lotus Lantern Festival and Parade is one of Seoul’s most inspiring events, bringing together people from all denominations and faiths, in a wondrous celebration of light.
Also known as YeonDeungHoe, it’s a weeks long event that marks the day of Buddha’s birth with thousands of glowing lanterns and the pulsing beat of traditional drums. Here’s the lowdown on what to see and do during the incredible Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul.
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What is Yeondeunghoe | 연등회?
Yeondeunghoe is the Korean name for the annual Lotus Lantern Festival. What started as a simple religious ritual to celebrate Buddha’s birth, is now a exhuberant spring festival for everybody in Korea to enjoy.
During the festival, streets, temples, and malls are adorned with thousands of lotus lanterns – their brightness symbolizing the enlightenment of humanity.
There are a number of events that take place during Yeondeunghoe, with the highlight being a massive Lotus Lantern Parade that takes over the streets of the Jongno District in Seoul for a night.
Yeondeonghoe is so woven into the fabric of Korean culture that it was designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Korea in 2012. And in 2020, UNESCO added the Lotus Lantern Festival to its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.
Trust me. This is an event you don’t want to miss.
Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul Quick Guide
Lotus Lantern Festival and Parade Events | When: May 16th - 17th, 2026 | Where: Jogyesa Temple and surrounding area |
Eoulim Madang | Saturday, May 16th, 2025, 4:30 – 6:00 PM | Dongguk University Stadium |
Lotus Lantern Parade | Saturday, May 16th, 2026, 7:00 – 9:30PM | Jongno Street, starting from Heunginjimun and ending at Jogyesa |
Daedong Hanmadang | Saturday, May 16th, 2026, 9:30 – 11:00PM | Jonggak Intersection |
Cultural Activities | Sunday, May 17th, 2026, 12:00 – 6:00 PM | Street in front of Jogyesa Temple |
Cultural Performances | Sunday, May 17th, 2026, 12:00 – 6:00 PM | Street in front of Jogyesa Temple |
Yeondeungnori | Sunday, May 17th, 2026, 7:00 – 9:00PM | Street in front of Jogyesa Temple |
Buddha’s Birthday Dharma Ceremony | Monday, May 24th, 2026, 10:00AM | Every Buddhist Temple in Korea |
Exhibition of Traditional Lanterns | mid-April / May, 2026 | Gwanghwamun Square, Jogyesa Temple, Bongeunsa Temple |
When is the Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul 2026?
Festival Dates: May 16th – 17th, 2026
Every year, sometime during spring, South Korea lights up to celebrate the day of Buddha’s birth. The exact date falls on the 8th day of the 4th month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar, and must be calculated anew each year.
In 2026, Buddha’s Birthday or 부처님 오신 날 (the day when Buddha came), falls on Sunday, May 24th.
While the most exciting events take place on the weekend before Buddha’s birthday, streets and temples are stunningly decorated with a multitude of colourful lotus lanterns for nearly an entire month. In fact, I’m already seeing lanterns brightening grey streets here in Seoul at the beginning of April.
Along with the blossoming of silvery pink cherry blossoms, this kaleidoscope of lights stretching dreamily down and across the wide streets of Seoul, has always signified the advent of spring in Korea for me – their romantic glow banishing the grey of winter quickly from memory.
Korea Travel Essentials
Don’t board that plane to Seoul until you’ve sorted out accommodation, transport from the airport, and your data on the ground.
Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul Events
The highlight of YeonDeungHoe in Seoul is undoubtedly the Lotus Lantern Parade. I mean, you can’t really expect to compete with thousands of illuminated lanterns and floats flooding the streets of central Seoul, can you?
That’s not to say that the other events aren’t worth attending. They ARE, and they all provide a unique window into Buddhism in Korea that’s enjoyable for absolutely anyone.
These include: the Buddhist cheer rally, a post-parade party, an exhibition of traditional lanterns, cultural performances and events, and a final celebration to complete the Lotus Lantern Festival.
Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul | Schedule & Locations
Most of the Lotus Lantern Festival events take place in Jongno, near Jogyesa Temple in Insadong, in a few different locations. I’ll cover each of the festivities in detail below.
Eoulim Madang | 어울림마당
When: Saturday, May 16th, 2026, 4:30 – 6:00 PM
Where: Dongguk University Stadium > Go to Dongguk University station on subway Line 3, Exit 6
The Eoulim Madang kicks off the Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul with a Buddhist Cheer Rally at Dongguk University Stadium. The atmosphere is upbeat and joyful, with thousands of parade participants gathering to dance, sing, and mark the beginning of the festival with various Buddhist ceremonies.
This is also the starting point of the Lotus Lantern Parade. If you choose to attend this event, you can watch while participants organize into formation to begin walking the parade route.
Eoulim Madang ends at 6:00PM, so you have plenty of time to find a spot closer to Jogyesa Temple, to watch the illuminated Lotus Lanterns pass by you, against the night sky.
Lotus Lantern Parade
When: Saturday, May 16th, 2026, 7:00 – 9:30PM
Where: along Jongno Street, starting from Heunginjimun and ending at Jogyesa Temple
If there’s one event you get to during Yeondeunghoe, let it be the Lotus Lantern Parade. Comprised of literally thousands of participants from monks to drummers to children, luminescent lanterns, and huge floats, this is an unbelievable spectacle that has to be seen to be believed.
The parade route starts at Heunginjimun Gate and travels 3-km along Jongno Street, before finally ending at Jogyesa Temple. Get a spot somewhere along the last kilometre of the route to see the lanterns glowing brightly in the dark.
Daedong Hanmadang | 대동한마당
When: Saturday, May 16th, 2026, 9:30 – 11:00PM
Where: Jonggak Intersection > Go to Jonggak station on subway Line 1
If your image of Buddhism is one of quiet contemplation and meditation, prepare to have all your preconceptions challenged at Daedong Hanmadang. This post-parade celebration takes place near the end of the Lotus Lantern Parade route, at Jonggak Intersection, and it’s a serious party.
You can also head into Jogyesa Temple, for a slightly less crowded celebration with even more dancing, drumming, and festivities, if the thought of these massive crowds stress you out.
Limited Edition Spring Tours in Korea
From plum blossoms in Gwangyang to cherry blossoms in Jinhae, spring in Korea is positively alive with colour and wonderful things to do. Here are the spring tours to take advantage of for the months of March, April, and May. Like cherry blossom season, the dates for most of these spring in Korea tours is incredibly limited, so jump on them while you can.
These are the updated dates for 2026.
- Gwangyang Maehwa & Jeonju Hanok Village Tour | March 13th – 27th
- Jeju Cherry Blossom Tour with Hotel Pick-up | March 15th – April 19th
- Spring Flowers + King Cherry Blossoms at Hwaseong Fortress | March 26th – April 18th
- Jeonju Hanok Village + Spring Flower Festivals | March 29th – April 29th
- Seoul Seasonal Hot Attractions Tour | March 18th – May 13th
- Jeju Island Cherry Blossoms and Canola Private Taxi or Van Tour | March 20th – April 10th
- Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival Tour from Seoul or Busan | March 23rd – April 15th
- Haeundae Sky Capsule + Cherry Blossom Hunting in Busan | March 23rd – April 10th
- Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Tour from Busan | March 28th – April 10th
- Chasing Cherry Blossoms in Seoul | March 30th – April 17th
- Taean Tulip Festival + Strawberry Picking Experience | April 3rd – May 5th
- King Cherry Blossom Tour from Seoul | April 16th – 30th
Cultural Activities
When: Sunday, May 17th, 2026, 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Where: Street in front of Jogyesa Temple > Jonggak Station on Line 2, Exit 1 or Anguk Station on Line 3, Exit 6
If you wake up the next morning with a Lotus Lantern hangover and need a little Buddhist hair of the dog, head to the street in front of Jogyesa Temple for a street festival of sorts. You can try your hand at making lotus lanterns, eat some Buddhist temple food, and draw traditional designs.
There are 2 time slots limited to 108 people per session, and it’s free to participate. Reservations are strongly recommended in order to guarantee a spot. Otherwise, you’ll have to join a waiting list and hope for a spot to open up. Get details and reserve a spot here.
Cultural Performances
When: Sunday, May 17th, 2026, 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Where: Street in front of Jogyesa Temple > Jonggak Station on Line 2, Exit 1 or Anguk Station on Line 3, Exit 6
There are a couple of stages to watch traditional Korean outdoor performances at the Lotus Lantern Festival. These are interactive and a ton of fun for people of all ages.
Directions: Get to the Gongpyeong Stage by walking straight out of Exit 2 of Jonggak Station on Line 1, and get to the Anguk Stage by turning left at the crosswalk, straight out of Exit 6 of Anguk Station on Line 3.
TRADITIONAL PERFORMANCES AT THE NATIONAL GUGAK CENTER
I’ve spent many a Saturday afternoon watching traditional Korean arts performances at the National Gugak Centre, and it’s always well worth it. At this Saturday concert, you’ll be treated to folk music and dance performances from all 4 of Korea’s classical arts in one magnificent showcase.
Yeondeungnori
When: Sunday, May 17th, 2026, 7:00 – 9:00PM
Where: Street in front of Jogyesa Temple > Jonggak Station on Line 2, Exit 1 or Anguk Station on Line 3, Exit 6
Yeondeungnori is the last event of the weekend. This is a smaller scale parade through the streets of Insadong, followed by performances, a party, and final celebration.
If you can’t make it to the Lotus Lantern Parade and Hoehyang Hanmadang on Saturday night, Yeondeungnori will give you a smaller taste of what you missed.
Buddha’s Birthday Dharma Ceremony
When: Sunday, May 24th, 2026, 10:00AM
Where: Every Buddhist temple in Korea
On May 24th, 2026, head to any Buddhist temple, anywhere in Korea, and you’ll see the Buddha’s Birthday Dharma Ceremony.
Exhibition of Traditional Lanterns
When: mid-April – May, 2026
Where: Jogyesa, Bongeunsa, Cheonggyecheon Stream, and Gwanghwamun Square
This part of the Lotus Lantern Festival starts earlier than the main parade and other events. Lanterns made out of traditional Korean hanji paper will be displayed at Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul Museum of Craft Art, Songhyeon Green Plaza Art, Cheonggyecheon Stream, Jogyesa Temple, and Bongeunsa Temple for around a month.
Try heading to one of the temples around Seoul during day time hours, and to Gwanghwamun Square at night to see the lanterns glowing against the night sky.
Where to Stay near Jogyesa | Yeondeunghoe
If you plan to attend many Lotus Lantern events, it’s worth staying overnight at a nearby hotel. Especially since everything pretty much happens in a 24 hour window from Saturday, May 16th to Sunday, May 17th, 2026.
The Lotus Lantern Parade and Post-Parade party will run until at least 10:30PM and cultural events will start up again the next morning at 11:00AM.
Even if you live in Seoul (like I do), it makes sense to book a hotel that’s close to the Lotus Lantern Festival sites, due to expected traffic congestion. I did this myself a few years ago, and it was the best decision. My daughter and I were able to participate in ALL events on both days easily and stress-free.
Though the parade route starts near Dongdaemun Station, most of the Lotus Lantern Festival events actually takes place in Insadong. Following, are the hotels I recommend due to their quality and easy proximity to Jogyesa Temple.
Hotel | Distance from Jogyesa Temple | Pro and Cons | Reserve | |
BEST 4 ⭐️ | 120-metres | Closest hotel to Jogyesa. Rare quad, family, and triple rooms available. High quality accommodation and service. | ; | |
BEST 3 ⭐️ | 250-metres | Across the street from Jogyesa, clean, comfortable, close to many Seoul attractions and sites. | ; | |
GROUPS / FAMILIES | 500-metres | Apartment style, with up to 4 bedrooms available. Swimming pool, fitness centre. 10 minute walk to Jogyesa. | ; | |
HANOK STAY | 700-metres | A traditional Korean hanok style with 3 bedrooms, wonderful owners. 12 minute walk to Jogyesa. | ; |
There are a ton of hotels in this area besides these though, so if none of them work for you, a search on Booking or Agoda will yield a whole bunch more.
Seoul Lotus Lantern Festival: FAQs
1. Where is Yeondeunghoe held?
The Lotus Lantern Festival is held in South Korea, with most of the events centred around Jogyesa Temple in Seoul.
2. When is the Lotus Lantern Festival?
The Lotus Lantern Festival happens every year during spring. The exact date changes every year, based on the date of Buddha’s birthday calcuated by the Lunar Calendar. In 2026, the Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul is from May 16th to 17th.
3. What does Yeondeunghoe celebrate?
The Lotus Lantern Festival celebrates Buddha’s birth, with a weeks long celebration, including lanterns, a parade, and various cultural events.
4. What does it cost to attend the Lotus Lantern Festival?
All events at the Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeondeunghoe) are free! Just show up early enough to grab a good spot on the parade route.
Are you planning to go to the Lotus Lantern Festival and Parade in Seoul? See you there!
Oh this looks fabulous! I hope I get to it one day. I love cultural festivals.
Alison
You’d love Korea then! There’s a festival almost every weekend, celebrating different parts of the culture, food, nature etc… I think in May, there are at least 10 different festivals happening!
Korea is definitely ON THE LIST! I’m addicted to Kdrama romances – been watching them for a couple of years now and learning lots about Korean life that way, plus the occasional word or two.
Haha K-dramas are way too addictive. What are your favourites? We just had all our COVID restrictions lifted last Monday (aside from mask mandates), so it’s a great time to visit. Feeling a lot like pre-pandemic Seoul these days with tons of events, activities and energy on the streets.
Oh I’d love to come, but we’re off to Croatia and Greece for 7 weeks, in a week! So excited to be travelling again. Fave shows – Crash Landing on You, One Spring Night, Something in the Rain, Run On, Romance is a Bonus Book, Rookie Historian, Start-Up. Lots of others, but these are what come to mind. Oh and Because This is My First Life which had me in tears at the end.
Oh this looks fabulous! I hope I get to it one day. I love cultural festivals.
Alison
You’d love Korea then! There’s a festival almost every weekend, celebrating different parts of the culture, food, nature etc… I think in May, there are at least 10 different festivals happening!
Korea is definitely ON THE LIST! I’m addicted to Kdrama romances – been watching them for a couple of years now and learning lots about Korean life that way, plus the occasional word or two.
Haha K-dramas are way too addictive. What are your favourites? We just had all our COVID restrictions lifted last Monday (aside from mask mandates), so it’s a great time to visit. Feeling a lot like pre-pandemic Seoul these days with tons of events, activities and energy on the streets.
Oh I’d love to come, but we’re off to Croatia and Greece for 7 weeks, in a week! So excited to be travelling again. Fave shows – Crash Landing on You, One Spring Night, Something in the Rain, Run On, Romance is a Bonus Book, Rookie Historian, Start-Up. Lots of others, but these are what come to mind. Oh and Because This is My First Life which had me in tears at the end.
So beautiful! and ornate! I fondly remember the cherry blossom festivals in Okinawa 🙂
The amount of work that goes into this lantern parade every year is craaaazy. It’s something like 30,000 lanterns and 10,000 people in the parade!!!
So beautiful! and ornate! I fondly remember the cherry blossom festivals in Okinawa 🙂
The amount of work that goes into this lantern parade every year is craaaazy. It’s something like 30,000 lanterns and 10,000 people in the parade!!!
So vibrant!
So vibrant!