If you are contemplating a monastic life, head to Jongno, Seoul, on May 17.
The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism's General Affairs Department announced that it will operate a "2026 Lantern Festival Traditional Culture Booth for Monastic Consultation" from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 17 at the Traditional Culture Plaza on Ujeongguk-ro in Jongno.
This promotional booth invites anyone curious about the life of a practitioner and Buddhist culture to participate comfortably. The department plans to convey the significance of monastic life and the community of monks through interactive programs, including on-site consultations, distribution of monastic promotional materials, video screenings related to monastic life, Buddhist sentiment sticker experiences, stone meditation, and photo zones.
At the booth, monk Hyewon will provide consultations on the process of ordination and life as a monk, while also distributing informational materials and screening videos to help participants better understand monastic life.
On May 16, in celebration of Buddha's Birthday, the Jogye Order will host various events. A lantern parade will commence at 7 p.m. in front of Heunginjimun, where 50,000 participants will march with 100,000 colorful lanterns they have created, proceeding through Jongno to Jogyesa Temple.
The Traditional Culture Festival is a street festival where attendees can enjoy experiences and performances related to Korean traditional and Buddhist culture, featuring 129 booths and performances from 19 organizations.
A representative from the Jogye Order's General Affairs Department stated, "We will continue to operate monastic consultations and cultural experience programs at various events, including the Lantern Festival, Buddhist Exposition, and youth and university student events, to reduce the psychological distance regarding ordination and enhance understanding of the monastic community."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.