Celebrate the auspicious occasion of Buddha’s Birthday in Korea, observed on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, which typically falls in May. Known as “Seokga Tansinil,” this vibrant festival honors the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. Throughout the country, colorful lanterns illuminate temples, and joyful processions fill the streets as devotees and tourists alike come together to commemorate this significant event in Korean culture.

Join us as we explore the top destinations across Korea to experience the beauty and reverence of Buddha’s Birthday festivities!

Table of Contents

1. Seoul

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a. Lotus Lantern Festival

In Seoul, the Yeon Deung Hoe, or Lotus Lantern Festival, is the main cultural celebration that honors Buddha’s birthday. In 2026, the festival will take place from April 22nd to May 24th, with major events happening over the weekend of May 16th~17th. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you enjoy the event, which features a variety of booths, hands-on activities, and exhibitions!

i. Lighting Ceremony

Date: April 22nd (Wed), 2026
Time: 7:00PM
Location: Gwanghwamun Square
Highlights: Starting with the Lantern Lighting Ceremony at Gwanghwamun Square on April 22nd, 2026, at 7PM, the glow of lotus lanterns will illuminate all of Seoul through May 26th.

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ii. Lantern Exhibition

Dates: April 22nd (Wed)~May 26th (Tues), 2026
Locations: Jogyesa Temple, Bongeunsa Temple, Gwanghwamun Square, Korean Buddhist History and Culture Memorial Hall
Highlights: Stunning hanji (traditional Korean paper) lanterns symbolizing wisdom and compassion will be displayed at temples and public spaces across Seoul.

iii. Eoulim Madang (Buddhist Cheer Rally)

Date: May 16th, 2026 (Sat)
Time: 4:30PM
Location: Dongguk University Stadium
Highlights: A lively pre-parade event starting at 4:30PM, featuring drumming, dancing, and chanting to build excitement and anticipation for the main parade.

iv. Grand Lantern Parade

Date: May 16th, 2026 (Sat)
Time: 7:00PM
Route: From Heunginjimun Gate along Jongno Street to Jongak
Highlights: Thousands of participants carry glowing lanterns shaped like lotus flowers, animals, and Buddhist symbols. This is the festival’s most iconic event.

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v. Daedong Hanmadang (Post-Parade Celebration)

Date: May 16th, 2026 (Sat)
Time: 9:30PM
Location: Bosingak Bell Pavilion
Highlights: A high-energy street party featuring traditional circle dances, drum performances, and music.

vi. Cultural Activities and Performances

Date: May 17th, 2026 (Sun)
Time: 11:00AM~6:00PM
Location: Streets near Jogyesa Temple
Highlights: Participation in a variety of activities, from lantern-making workshops to meditation sessions, to temple food tasting and traditional Korean crafts.

Try making even more traditional Korean crafts in Seoul:

vii. Yeondeungnori (Closing Ceremony & Mini Parade)

Date: May 17th, 2026 (Sun)
Time: 7:00PM~9:00PM
Location: Insadong Street near Jogyesa Temple
Highlights: A smaller parade with cultural performances and a festive atmosphere.

Things to do around Insadong:

viii. Buddha’s Birthday Dharma Ceremony

Date: May 24th, 2026 (Sun)
Time: 10:00AM
Locations: Temples across Korea (notably Jogyesa and Bongeunsa Temple in Seoul)
Highlights: Special Buddhist services and lantern-lighting rituals.

b. Must-See Locations During Buddha’s Birthday

i. Jogyesa Temple

Address: 55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)

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Jogyesa Temple stands out as one of the premier destinations for Buddha’s Birthday festivities in Korea, attracting visitors from far and wide to partake in the vibrant celebrations. During the Lotus Lantern Festival, the temple comes alive with a kaleidoscope of colors as thousands of lanterns illuminate the surroundings. Devotees and tourists flock to Jogyesa to participate in traditional Buddhist rituals, including lantern-making workshops and ceremonial events, creating a truly immersive and unforgettable experience amidst the serene atmosphere of this historic temple.

Experience temple life for a day!

Templestay Korea: International Seon Center (1 Day/ 2D1N)

ii. Bongeunsa Temple

Address: 531 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)

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Bongeungsa Temple is another prominent venue for Buddha’s Birthday festivities in Korea, drawing crowds to its tranquil grounds. The temple offers a range of celebratory events – from traditional ceremonies and cultural performances to vibrant lantern displays – all adding to the festive atmosphere. Visitors can immerse themselves in the spirit of the occasion while exploring the temple’s picturesque surroundings and participating in the joyful festivities that honor the birth of Buddha.

Things to do around Bongeungsa Temple

iii. Cheonggyecheon Stream

Address: Cheonggyecheon, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)

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A key destination for Buddha’s Birthday festivities in Korea is Cheonggyecheon Stream, especially with its enchanting traditional lantern exhibition running until May 26th. The stream transforms into a mesmerizing spectacle adorned with colorful lanterns, attracting visitors seeking to partake in the celebratory ambiance and cultural significance of the occasion. Amidst the serene setting of Cheonggyecheon, visitors can admire the intricate lantern displays, participate in various cultural activities, and immerse themselves in the spirit of Buddha’s Birthday celebrations.

Things to do around Cheonggyecheon Stream:

2. Busan

a. Busan Lotus Lantern Festival

The Busan Lotus Lantern Festival is the city’s main cultural celebration for Buddha’s birthday, filling the coastal metropolis with soft, glowing lotus lanterns and a relaxed festival mood. In 2026, the event will run from May 1st to May 17th, centered around Song Sanghyeon Square and the area around Busan Citizens Park, where colorful lanterns of various shapes and sizes will line the streets and open spaces. There will be Buddhist ceremonies, lantern displays, cultural performances, and family‑friendly programs, many of which are free to enjoy.

i. Busan Lantern Festival

Dates: May 1st (Fri)~May 17th (Sun), 2026
Location: Song Sanghyeon Square
Highlights: With thousands of colorful lanterns displayed around Song Sanghyeon Square, visitors can enjoy the opening lighting ceremony, stroll through clusters of traditional and decorative lanterns, and take part in wish‑lantern‑hanging and cultural‑experience booths.

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ii. Traditional Lantern and Paper Flower Workshop

Dates: April 11th (Sat) (Lantern Making), April 17th (Fri)~18th (Sat), 2026 (Paper Flower Making)
Location: Park Bong-deok Hanji Experience Center
Highlights: Learn to make a traditional lantern and paper flowers using 100% traditional methods, working with materials such as bamboo, traditional glue, fish-bladder adhesive, and naturally dyed fabrics.

Handcrafted traditional Korean paper flowers and lotus lanterns displayed on a table during a workshop at the Busan Lotus Lantern Festival

iii. Traditional Lantern & Paper Flower Workshop Works Exhibition

Dates: April~May
Location: Dasom Gallery in Busan Citizens Park
Highlights: Traditional lanterns and paper flowers made by workshop participants will be displayed around the park.

iv. Busan Lotus Lantern Festival

Dates: May 16th (Sat), 2026
Location: Busan Citizens Park Dasom Plaza
Highlights: The festival welcomes visitors to a serene evening of Buddhist culture and warm community spirit, with a grand lantern‑lighting ceremony and a long procession of lanterns winding from Busan Citizens Park to Song Sanghyeon Plaza.

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Hassle-free ways to explore Busan:

b. Must-see Locations During Buddha’s Birthday

i. Samgwangsa Temple

Address: 77 Choeupcheon-ro 43beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan (Kakao Maps)

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Samgwangsa Temple is renowned as one of the top destinations for Buddha’s Birthday festivities in Korea, hosting a traditional lantern festival from May 1st to May 17th. Located in Busan, this temple is celebrated for its magnificent display of colorful lanterns, illuminating the night sky and creating a breathtaking spectacle. Visitors flock to Samgwangsa during this period to witness the beauty of the lantern festival, participate in traditional Buddhist ceremonies, and soak in the spiritual atmosphere of the celebrations.

ii. Beomeosa Temple

Address: 250 Beomeosa-ro, Geumjeong-gu, Busan (Kakao Maps)

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Beomeosa Temple, nestled in the scenic mountains of Busan, is renowned as one of the top destinations for Buddha’s Birthday festivities in Korea. During this auspicious period, the temple comes alive with vibrant celebrations, including traditional lantern displays, prayer ceremonies, and cultural performances. Visitors can immerse themselves in the serene ambiance of the temple grounds while marveling at the intricate lantern decorations, making it a must-visit destination for experiencing the spirit of Buddha’s Birthday in Korea.

Busan & Yangsan UNESCO Temple 1 Day Tour

3) Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Address: 86 Yonggung-gil, Gijang-gun, Busan (Kakao Maps)

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Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea in Busan, is among the top destinations for Buddha’s Birthday festivities in Korea. The temple’s breathtaking coastal setting adds a unique charm to the celebrations, which include traditional lantern displays, chanting ceremonies, and cultural performances. During the Buddha’s Birthday period, visitors can experience the tranquil beauty of the temple grounds illuminated by thousands of colorful lanterns, creating a mesmerizing ambiance that captures the essence of this auspicious occasion.

Check out these tours, including Haedong Yonggunsa Temple:

3. Gyeongju

Hyeong San Gang Lotus Lantern Festival

Date: TBA
Location: San 38-9 Seokjang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (across from Geumjangdae Pavilion) (Kakao Maps)

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The Hyeong San Gang Lotus Lantern Festival, situated across from Geumjangdae Pavilion, is a standout destination for Buddha’s Birthday festivities in Korea. This festival offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, including traditional lantern exhibitions, performances, and spiritual ceremonies. It’s a quieter, more intimate alternative to the large city‑center lantern festivals, perfect if you want to combine a scenic riverside walk with warm, community‑led Buddhist festivities.

More ways to explore in Gyeongju:

4. Daegu

Dongdaesa Temple

Address: 79-25 Dalgubeol-daero 541-gil, Suseong-gu, Daegu (Kakao Maps)

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Dongdaesa Temple is a revered destination for Buddha’s Birthday festivities in Korea, drawing visitors with its serene atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. The temple hosts a vibrant celebration featuring traditional lantern exhibitions, prayer ceremonies, and cultural performances. As visitors stroll through the temple grounds adorned with colorful lanterns and immerse themselves in the spiritual ambiance, they experience the essence of Buddha’s teachings and the beauty of Korean Buddhist culture.

Things to do in Daegu:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Buddha’s Birthday in Korea?

Buddha’s Birthday, also known as Seokga Tansinil or Bucheonim Osin Nal, celebrates the birth of the Buddha and is one of the most important cultural holidays in Korea. It is best known for colorful lantern displays, temple ceremonies, and nationwide festivities.

Q: Is Buddha’s Birthday a public holiday in Korea?

Yes, Buddha’s Birthday is a national public holiday in South Korea. Most attractions, shops, and restaurants remain open, but transportation and tourist sites may be busier than usual. Buddha’s Birthday is celebrated on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month, usually falling in April or May. Since it follows the lunar calendar, the exact date changes each year, making it important to check before planning your trip.

Q: Do you need tickets for Buddha’s Birthday festivals in Seoul?

Most temple visits and many festival activities are free to attend. However, some special cultural programs or guided experiences may require advance booking, especially during peak festival weekends.

Q: Is Buddha’s Birthday a good time to visit Korea?

Yes, it is one of the best times to visit Korea. The combination of spring weather, cherry blossoms, and unique cultural festivals makes it ideal for travelers looking for both sightseeing and immersive cultural experiences.

Q: Can tourists participate in Buddha’s Birthday activities?

Yes, tourists are welcome to join most activities, including lantern festivals, temple visits, and cultural experiences. Many events are designed to be inclusive and accessible to international visitors.

Q: How early should I plan for Buddha’s Birthday in Korea?

We recommend planning at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance, as accommodations and tours fill quickly during this popular spring festival. And, since lantern displays are typically set up weeks before the actual holiday, visiting early can still offer a full experience.

Check out even more special events in Korea happening this season!

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[Photo Credits]

Yeon Deung Hoe Official Website

Top Destinations for Buddha’s Birthday Festivities in Korea 2026