Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeon Deung Hoe)
연등회
Buddhist lantern festival weekend around Buddha's Birthday, centered on Jongno in Seoul. Inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2020.
Yeon Deung Hoe dates to the Silla era and centers on the Buddha's Birthday weekend. The Saturday-evening lantern parade runs from Dongguk University to Jogyesa Temple along Jongno, with thousands of handmade lanterns and traditional performances. Sunday is a temple-grounds festival at Jogyesa with cultural programs and free vegetarian food.
Parade route: Dongguk University Station (line 3) to Jonggak Station (line 1). The Saturday parade typically begins around 7pm; arrive by 6 to find a spot along Jongno. Jogyesa Temple is at Anguk Station (line 3) exit 6.
Free. The temple-grounds program at Jogyesa on Sunday is the most foreigner-friendly part, English info booths, lantern-making workshops, and free temple food. Dates shift yearly by lunar calendar.
https://www.llf.or.kr/