Jogyesa Temple & Lotus Lantern Festival

Seoul, South Korea

SpiritualHistoryArts Culture

Would you do this?

Duration1 hr

EffortEasy

BudgetBudget

PriceFree

StyleSelf-Guided

Open0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Best monthsApr, May

About This Activity

Jogyesa is the headquarters of Korea's Jogye Order — the nation's largest Buddhist sect — and the most significant Buddhist site in Seoul. Its Daeungjeon main hall is flanked by courtyard trees over 500 years old, designated natural monuments by the city. Visit early morning to see monks chanting and worshippers prostrating in devotion. In late April to early May each year, thousands of hand-crafted hanji paper lanterns fill the grounds for the Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeondeunghoe), with a major lantern parade from Dongdaemun to Jogyesa on the Saturday before Buddha's Birthday.

Seasonal note: Open year-round and free to enter. Peak season is late April–early May for the Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeondeunghoe) when thousands of lanterns decorate the grounds.

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