Lanterns adorn temples nationwide as South Korea celebrates Buddha's Birthday

by Yoo Na-hyun Posted : May 24, 2026, 17:36Updated : May 24, 2026, 17:37
Buddhists and visitors crowd the grounds of Bongeunsa in Seoul on May 24 2026 as South Korea celebrates Buddha’s Birthday the 2570th year of the Buddhist calendar AJP Yoo Na-hyun
Bongeunsa Temple in southern Seoul is packed with Buddhist followers and other visitors on May 24, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
SEOUL, May 24 (AJP) - Buddhist temples across South Korea held celebrations on Sunday for Buddha's Birthday, one of the country's major religious holidays, as lantern-lit temple grounds drew worshippers, locals and foreign tourists.

The day commemorating the birth of Buddha falls on the eighth day of the fourth month of the lunar calendar and has been observed as a national holiday in South Korea since 1975.
 
Buddhists and visitors crowd the grounds of Bongeunsa in Seoul on May 24 2026 as South Korea celebrates Buddha’s Birthday the 2570th year of the Buddhist calendar AJP Yoo Na-hyun
A Buddhist follower prays at Bongeunsa Temple in southern Seoul on May 24, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
Buddhists and visitors crowd the grounds of Bongeunsa in Seoul on May 24 2026 as South Korea celebrates Buddha’s Birthday the 2570th year of the Buddhist calendar AJP Yoo Na-hyun
A Buddhist follower performs a ceremonial ritual at Bongeunsa Temple in southern Seoul on May 24, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun

At Bongeunsa in southern Seoul, colorful traditional lanterns and large ceremonial displays adorned the temple grounds during the annual celebration. Visitors participated in various events and programs as they explored the temple beneath rows of glowing lanterns.

Buddhists and visitors crowd the grounds of Bongeunsa in Seoul on May 24 2026 as South Korea celebrates Buddha’s Birthday the 2570th year of the Buddhist calendar AJP Yoo Na-hyun
Buddhist followers bow and pray at Bongeunsa Temple in southern Seoul on May 24, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
Buddhists and visitors crowd the grounds of Bongeunsa in Seoul on May 24 2026 as South Korea celebrates Buddha’s Birthday the 2570th year of the Buddhist calendar AJP Yoo Na-hyun
Buddhist followers bow and pray at Bongeunsa Temple in southern Seoul on May 24, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
Buddhists and visitors crowd the grounds of Bongeunsa in Seoul on May 24 2026 as South Korea celebrates Buddha’s Birthday the 2570th year of the Buddhist calendar AJP Yoo Na-hyun
Bongeunsa Temple in southern Seoul is decorated with colorful lanterns on May 24, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun