Samgwangsa Temple (삼광사)

May 11

In preparation for Buddha's birthday each year, temples across the peninsula hang brightly colored lanterns. In Korea, Buddha's birthday falls on the eighth day of the fourth month of the Lunar calendar. This date varies from country to country and falls on different days each year. This year (2024), his birthday falls on May 15 and there will be celebrations and parades from Seoul to Busan.

*The lanterns lit up at Samgwangsa Temple*

You can find the best display of lotus lanterns in Korea at Samgwangsa Temple in Busan. As dusk approaches, a click springs the thousands of lanterns to life, eliciting ohs and ahs from everyone around. As the sun finally disappears across the horizon, a spectacular kaleidoscope of color remains.

Samgwangsa Temple is not only a popular tourist attraction but also an important spiritual center for Buddhists in the region. It offers various programs and services for visitors, including meditation sessions and cultural experiences such as temple stays and tea with monks.

The lanterns will remain lit until May 15, 2024, so if a spontaneous trip to Busan is in your wheelhouse, take advantage of this opportunity to see the lanterns before they are gone. If a quick trip is not in your five-day plans, save this post for next year and add it to your Korean bucket list! Next year, Buddha’s birthday in Korea will fall on May 5, 2025.