2026 Yeondeunghoe(Lotus Lantern Festival)

Overview

• Period: 16 – 17 May, 2026 (Lantern exhibitions continue from mid-April through late May)
• Venue: Jongno Street (Heunginjimun Gate → Jogyesa Temple); lantern exhibitions at Jogyesa Temple, Cheonggyecheon Stream, Gwanghwamun Square, and surrounding areas, Seoul
• Programs:
  Main Events
  • Traditional Lantern Exhibition — handcrafted hanji (Korean paper) lanterns displayed at Jogyesa Temple, Cheonggyecheon, Seoul Craft Museum, and open green spaces (from mid-April)
  • Eoulliim Madang (화합 대잔치) — opening ceremony, Buddhist rites, and folk performance warm-up (16 May, 4:30–6:00 PM, Dongguk University grounds)
  • Lantern Parade (연등행렬) — the main highlight: tens of thousands march from Heunginjimun Gate to Jogyesa Temple along Jongno (16 May, 7:00–9:30 PM)
  • Daedong Hanmadang (대동한마당) — celebratory closing performance and community gathering at Jongak Intersection (16 May, 9:30–11:00 PM)

  Cultural Programs

  • Traditional Culture Yard (전통문화마당) — craft experiences including lantern-making, traditional pattern drawing, and temple food tasting (17 May, 11:00 AM–7:00 PM, Jogyesa street)
  • Performance Yard (공연마당) — traditional music and dance performances with audience participation (17 May, 12:00–6:00 PM)
  • Lotus Lantern Games (연등놀이) — evening community games and interactive activities (17 May, 7:00–9:00 PM)
  • Buddha’s Birthday Ceremony (봉축법요식) — 24 May, 10:00 AM

Ticket (Reservation):

Lantern-making workshops (fee: approx. KRW 5,000–15,000) require advance registration CLICK HERE