Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul 2025 | 7 Inspiring Things to See at YeonDeungHoe
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.
Buddhist or not, the Lotus Lantern Festival is one of Seoul’s BEST events.
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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In this guide
- 1 What is Yeondeunghoe | 연등회?
- 2 Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul Quick Guide
- 3 When is the Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul 2025?
- 4 Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul Events
- 5 Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul | Schedule & Locations
- 5.1 Eoulim Madang | 어울림마당
- 5.2 Lotus Lantern Parade
- 5.3 Daedong Hanmadang | 대동한마당
- 5.4 Cultural Activities
- 5.5 Cultural Performances
- 5.6 Yeondeungnori
- 5.7 Buddha’s Birthday Dharma Ceremony
- 5.8 Exhibition of Traditional Lanterns
- 5.9 Where to Stay near Jogyesa | Yeondeunghoe
- 5.10 Seoul Lotus Lantern Festival: Essential Info and FAQs
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.
Lotus lanterns symbolize englightenment © AnbyG (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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.
YeonDeungHoe is on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.
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.
There’s even fire-breathing dragons!
The kids were thrilled to say the least!
Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul Quick Guide
Lotus Lantern Festival and Parade Events | When: April 25th - 27th, 2025 | Where: Jogyesa Temple and surrounding area |
Eoulim Madang | Saturday, April 26th, 2025, 4:30 – 6:00 PM | Dongguk University Stadium |
Lotus Lantern Parade | Saturday, April 26th, 2025, 7:00 – 9:30PM | Jongno Street, starting from Heunginjimun and ending at Jogyesa |
Daedong Hanmadang | Saturday, April 26th, 2025, 9:30 – 11:00PM | Jonggak Intersection |
Cultural Activities | Sunday, April 27th, 2025, 12:00 – 6:00 PM | Street in front of Jogyesa Temple |
Cultural Performances | Sunday, April 27th, 2025, 12:00 – 6:00 PM | Street in front of Jogyesa Temple |
Yeondeungnori | Sunday, April 27th, 2025, 7:00 – 9:00PM | Street in front of Jogyesa Temple |
Buddha’s Birthday Dharma Ceremony | Monday, May 5th, 2025, 10:00AM | Every Buddhist Temple in Korea |
Exhibition of Traditional Lanterns | April / May, 2024 | Gwanghwamun Square, Jogyesa Temple, Bongeunsa Temple |
When is the Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul 2025?
Festival Dates: April 25th – 27th, 2025
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 2025, Buddha’s Birthday or 부처님 오신 날 (the day when Buddha came), falls on Monday, May 5th.
Buddha’s birthday is always in spring © Jin Jae-won, Korea Tourism Organization
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.
Lanterns illuminate temples across Korea during Yeon Deung Hoe
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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?
The Lotus Lantern Parade has to be seen to be believed © 대한민국 정부 문화체육관광부 문화재청 (CC BY-SA 2.5)
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.
Watching the lotus lantern parade last year.
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.
The replica Hwaeomsa pagoda lantern will be lit at the beginning of the festival © Jeon Han, Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Eoulim Madang | 어울림마당
When: Saturday, April 26th, 2025, 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.
The Lotus Lantern Parade goes on for 3-km.© Jeon Han, Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service (CC BY-SA 2.0)
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.
We set up near Jonggak Station, and the kids played tag on empty streets until the parade started.
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, April 26th, 2025, 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 Lotus Lantern Parade is grand in scale © Jeon Han, Korea.net (CC BY-SA 2.0)
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.
My daughter had a blast walking in the parade with her Cub Scout pack!
TIP | The Royal Cuisine of the Joseon Dynasty was designated as National Intangible Cultural Property No. 38, and Jihwaja is THE place to try it. Located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, it’s run by the Hwang Family – a national treasure that traces back to the last 2 kings of the Joseon Dynasty, with authentic recipes preserved and passed down through generations. Check menus here.
Daedong Hanmadang | 대동한마당
When: April 26th, 2025, 9:30 – 11:00PM
Where: Jonggak Intersection > Go to Jonggak station on subway Line 1
My daughter had a blast trying to catch all this pink confetti at Hoehyang Madang.
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.
Cultural Activities
When: Sunday, April 27th, 2025, 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.
Making a lotus lantern is harder than you’d think!
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, April 27th, 2025, 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.
Be sure to check out Lotus Lantern Festival events in front of Jogyesa Templa.
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. Check info here.
Yeondeungnori
When: Sunday, April 27th, 2025, 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.
The Lotus Lantern Festival completes with a final parade © Seoul Metropolitan Government/Penta Press
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: Monday, May 5th, 2025, 10:00AM
Where: Every Buddhist temple in Korea
On May 5th, 2025, head to any Buddhist temple, anywhere in Korea, and you’ll see the Buddha’s Birthday Dharma Ceremony.
Hyangiram Hermitage in Yeosu is one of my favourite temples in Korea.
Exhibition of Traditional Lanterns
When: April – May, 2025
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 Jogyesa, Bongeunsa, and at Gwanghwamun Square for a few weeks.
Lanterns will be on display at Jogyesa and other temples around Korea for a few weeks.
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.
The lantern display at Cheonggyecheon Stream.
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, April 26th to Sunday, April 27th, 2025.
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.
Lotus Lantern Festival events mostly take place in a 24 hour window, near Jogyesa Temple.
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. This is the first year I’ve done this myself, and I’m super excited to participate in ALL events on both days, with my daughter – stress-free.
We ended up staying at the Hotel Aventree Jongno, and it was perfect. Literally right across the street from Jogyesa Temple and all the Lotus Lantern Festival events, clean, quiet, and super affordable.
I’ll be enjoying the Lotus Lantern Festival with this little peanut.
Though the parade route starts near Dongdaemun Station, most of the festival actually takes place in Insadong. These are the hotels that are either walking distance, or a super quick subway ride to the festival site.
If you’re driving in from out of Seoul, I recommend arriving at your hotel as early as possible to secure parking.
BUDGET HOTELS / HOSTELS
- Yehadoye Guesthouse: Check availability on Booking | on Agoda
- Mini Hotel Insa: Check availability on Booking | on Agoda
- Hotel Aventree Jongno: Check availability on Booking | on Agoda
- Soo Song Guesthouse: Check availability on Booking | on Agoda
- Insadong Hostel: Check availability on Booking | on Agoda
- Hi Guesthouse Insadong: Check availability on Booking | on Agoda
MID-RANGE AND ABOVE
- Nine Tree Premier Hotel Insadong: Check availability on Booking | on Agoda
- Orakai Insadong Suites: Check availability on Booking | on Agoda
- Somerset Palace Seoul: Check availability on Booking | on Agoda
- Sunbee Hotel Insadong: Check availability on Booking | on Agoda
- Centermark Hotel Seoul: Check availability on Booking | on Agoda
- Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun: Check availability on Booking | on Agoda
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Seoul Lotus Lantern Festival: Essential Info and FAQs
Are you planning to go to the Lotus Lantern Festival and Parade in Seoul? See you there!
Alison and Don
Oh this looks fabulous! I hope I get to it one day. I love cultural festivals.
Alison
shelley
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!
Alison and Don
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.
shelley
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.
Alison and Don
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.
literaryvittles
So beautiful! and ornate! I fondly remember the cherry blossom festivals in Okinawa 🙂
Shelley @Travel-Stained
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!!!
LaVagabonde
So vibrant!