This weekend was the beginning of the colourful Hi Seoul Festival, spring edition. As one of the biggest and best of all Seoul's festivals, organizers have decided to multiply the fun times four: this year, for the first time, the festival will be held once a season instead of just once a year.
And because one huge festival is not enough for a city of 10 million residents, the Lotus Lantern Festival also commenced this weekend. This festival is a celebration of Buddha's birthday.
Read: Jinju Lantern Festival
The Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul, South Korea celebrates Buddha’s birthday
Lotus Lantern Festival
What is the Lotus Lantern Festival? An annual commemoration of Buddha’s birthday involving lanterns and a parade
When is the Lotus Lantern Festival? For a few days around Buddha’s birthday, which takes place in spring, usually in May, as determined by lunar and solar calendars
Where does the Lotus Lantern Festival take place in Seoul? In Jongno-gu, near Cheonggyecheon and Joyesa Temple
Buddha’s birthday is a national holiday in Korea, as Buddhism is one of the country’s major religions. This festival is nothing new; it has been celebrated in Korea for over 1200 years as Yeondeunghoe.
A large and colourful lantern float at the Lotus Lantern Festival parade in Seoul
I was impressed with the number of colourful lanterns of different shapes and sizes floating by during the latern parade. There were animals, like tigers, fish, and dragons; flowers, including the all-important lotus; and lots of traditional drums and spheres. Participants carrying lanterns along the route were just as varied, from young kids to uniformed monks. Most lanterns were handheld, though there were also some awesome wheeled floats of large designs.
Lotus Lantern Fest at Cheonggyecheon
Most of the festivities are concentrated near Cheonggye Stream, one of my favourite places in the city. The route started at Dongdaemun, one of the city’s old gates, and followed Jongno Street to end at Jogyesa (Jogye Temple).
Hi Seoul Festival
What is the Hi Seoul Festival? An outdoor party in the capital, organized in part by the Seoul Metropolitan government, featuring music, cultural performances and activities, parades, and fireworks
When is the Hi Seoul Festival? Seasonally—check the website for specific dates
Where does the Hi Seoul Festival take place in Seoul? All over the city
Over the weekend, I managed to attend several events, including a couple of parades, an “Imagination Factory,” and a water gun fight. Sunday night was a big night of parades. For three and a half hours, some friends and I watched thousands of people march, dance, and sing their way down Jongno Street.
Unfortunately, it was a little rainy—a big no-no with parades, especially those involving lanterns—but it actually was okay. The crowds were thinner than they would have been otherwise, so those of us who braved the drizzle were treated with better views.
Cultural performances for Hi Seoul Festival in Seoul
On holiday Monday (Children’s Day), I spent the day wandering around City Hall and Cheonggyecheon (Cheonggye Stream), photographing the adorable children participating in the fun events Hi Seoul organized for their special day.
Seoul Plaza at City Hall offered lots of crafts for kids (that I would have done myself if I thought I could get away with it) and physical activities like trampolining and tight-rope walking (again, things I would have liked to have done myself if I could pass for a child!).
Water gun fight at Cheonggyecheon on Children’s Day for the spring Hi Seoul Festival
Over at Cheonggyecheon, the warm and sunny weather provided the perfect day for the largest and funnest water gun fight I’ve ever been a part of. Organizers handed out water guns to the kids (and towels to their parents) and let the children loose. Anyone brave enough to be in the area was guaranteed to get wet, but no one was complaining. It was definitely the highlight of my weekend.
Since the Hi Seoul Festival continues until next weekend, I’m thinking of going back for a rematch...
