Lotus Lantern Festival is an annual event for the purpose of celebrating Buddha's birthday. According to Buddhist belief, the lighting of a lotus-shaped lantern symbolizes a devotion to performing good deeds and lighting up the dark parts of the world that are filled with agony. In Korea, it was held in downtown Seoul from May 6~8, 2011. Thousands of hanging lanterns lit up the city and temples. Although I could only see the final ceremony on the last day, I really enjoyed watching the festival. It was the greatest festival I have ever watched! These are the places that I visited during the festival:
Gwanghamun Square
Although there was no lantern festival in this place, but some people still came here to see the greatest statute of King Sejong, who promulgated the Korean written language, Hangeul. A statute of Korea's greatest naval hero, Admiral Yi Sun-Shin, also stands in the middle of the square surrounded by water fountains which shoot into the air. The water fountains seemed so nice and fresh.
Jogyesa Temple
Actually, I also wanted to go to City Hall to see Seoul Friendship Affair, but the time was limited. So I went directly to Jogyesa Temple to see the lanterns. In front of the temple, there were so many tents onsite selling and offering a lot of different things. Many people, including foreigners, came to see and join making the lotus lantern and lotus flower. Luckily, they separated the tent into two parts, for Korean and foreigners. They explained the instruction in English so it was easy for me to understand. I tried to make both lotus lantern and lotus flower with a little help from azumma, a Korean old woman. My fingers were all sticky because of the rice glue. The lantern was quite simple to make but the flower was so difficult that finally azumma made a new one for me. :D
After making lotus lantern and flower, I went to the the temple. I was amazed by the 1000 stunning lanterns hanging in the air. Lanterns with so many different colors were absolutely beautiful! After taking some pictures, I saw some group of people were bringing different instruments with different clothes. Some of them were bringing lanterns, lotus flowers, Korean traditional percussion instruments, Samulnori. At that time I just realized that they would have a parade along the street, so I waited for the parade outside of the temple until around 6 PM.
After waiting for 1 hour, finally the parade was begun. It was a great parade with so many group of people wearing beautiful clothes and bringing awesome lanterns. I could not take picture easily because they were moving and walking along the street towards another street, Insadong street.
Following the parade until Insadong street, I had dinner with my friend there. After dinner, I walked towards another street, Jongno street. We saw a big stage and some lanterns along the street. Many people, especially those who had performed in the parade along the road, were there. They were dancing and performing different performances. I saw a local TV channel was broad
casting the show. At the last performance, they asked audiences and foreigners to dance together. I also joined them dancing, it was totally fun!
casting the show. At the last performance, they asked audiences and foreigners to dance together. I also joined them dancing, it was totally fun! 
This festival was so amazing that I can not write into words. I will definitely watch lotus lantern festival again next year! ^^
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