By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Alfonso Delgado from the Philippines

Buddha’s birthday will soon be here, and thousands are expected to line up along the main Jongno Boulevard in downtown Seoul to watch the most colorful and most popular parade in the country, the lotus lantern parade.

On a few occasions, I was able to watch the parade along the main Jongno Boulevard, joining the thousands who stood there for hours as participants paraded and fascinated everyone with one cool warm-weather evening.

A couple of years ago, I headed down to Dongguk University on the Saturday afternoon when the parade participants danced and cheered just before the actual parade.

It was a sight to behold. It was a sea of colors. The cheerfulness of everyone and those neon and pastel colors of their intricately looking and diaphanous costumes made the atmosphere and experience special. Everyone really put on an effort to impress and regale that day.

This Saturday, May 12, 2018, I will try to claim a spot along the main Jongno Boulevard and watch the parade from there. I should get there early as I'm sure thousands of other spectators have the same idea.



The parade will start from the Dongguk University grounds and follow the route down to the Jangchung-dong area, going toward the Dongdaemun Design Plaza and will turn left at the main Jongno Boulevard. By the time it reaches the main Jongno Boulevard, darkness will have fallen and the brightness and colors of the lanterns will have captured and enamored everyone. The parade finishes at Jogyesa Temple after it turns right at Jongno Tower.

If you want to watch the parade, or the cheering and dance performances at Dongguk University before the parade, you can just take the subway and head to Dongguk University Station on subway line No. 3 and follow the crowds as you get out of exit No. 6. You should be there by 4 p.m.

If you’re watching the parade this weekend, make sure you have your extra phone battery with you, as you will be taking a lot of photos. Also, wear your most comfortable shoes, as you will have a lot of walking to do, as well. Remember, traffic will be closed around the Junggu, Jongno and Dongdaemun districts in central Seoul this Saturday. No buses or private cars will be allowed near or along the parade route, either.

Here’s the official lotus lantern website for more information about the route and schedule.

Have fun!

wisdom117@korea.kr

* This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.