LOTUS LANTERN FESTIVAL (Seoul)

During our trip to Korea, we had the pleasure of visiting the Lotus Lantern Festival at Bongeunsa Temple in the Gangnam area of Seoul. Bongeunsa Temple is a Buddhist Temple in Gangnam, Seoul. In May, the Temple is filled with magical lanterns of all shapes and sizes in celebration of Buddha's birth. According to Buddhist beliefs, lanterns symbolize wisdom in that they bring light to the world. “Yeondeung,” which means lighting lantern, is an important ritual in Buddhism, which shows respect to Buddha. The tradition of lantern-lighting began in Korea during the Goryeo (918-1392) and Joseon (1392-1910) Dynasties and has been preserved through rituals such as the Lotus Lantern Festival at Bongeunsa Temple.  - Madame Z.

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