Buddhist temples in Korea were seen adorned with countless colorful lanterns on Wednesday, in preparation for the countdown to the Buddha’s Birthday early next week.

The Buddhist belief says lanterns are lights of wisdom that drive out darkness, anguish and ignorance.

Vibrantly colored lotus-lanterns can offer an exquisite sight to both Koreans and foreigners. On this day, visitors to the Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Seoul, were busy taking photographs to capture the exotic scene.

Jogyesa Temple is the general headquarters of the Jogye order of Korean Buddhism. Its history dates back to the 14th century. But elsewhere across Korea, similarly festive lanterns can be spotted at every Buddhist temple in the month of May.

Buddha’s Birthday falls on May 22.




Photographed by Park Hyun-koo (phko@heraldcorp.com)
Written by Lim Jeong-yeo (kaylalim@heraldcorp.com)