The Lotus Lantern Festival 1,600 years of history is full of scheduled events that occur between May 9th 2007-May 24th 2007. Visitors to the festival can enjoy the events from sunrise to sunset. The festival’s activities will allow a visitor to have hands on Buddhist experiences. Visitors can experience free of charge how to make lanterns; print or engrave traditional Korean patterns; enjoy face painting; study and practice Zen meditation and posture for prayer and breathing-under the guidance of a Buddhist priest given in a foreign language.
Many people find the afternoon performances especially fascinating. Children dressed in traditional Hanbok and other costumes will act, sing and play music. On the streets of Jongno leading up to the Jogyesa Temple, various dance and instrumental works originating from Korean Buddhism will be performed under the Buddhist Priests themselves.
There is an endless array of lanterns; from adorable lotus lanterns that can be held with one hand to dragon-shaped lanterns that have to be supported by a group, as well as large lantern floats shaped like Dragons, Elephants and Buddha’s that are attached to vehicles. For more information on the Lotus Lantern Festival please contact Korea Tourism Organization at 201-585-0909.