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 Home >> Attractions >> Buddhism
Buddha's Birthday

This day celebrates both the birth of Buddha, who was born in India 2,600 years ago, and his teachings which are full of wisdom and mercy. The date changes each year as it is based on the lunar calendar. Buddha was born on April 8 by the lunar calendar, which is May 19 this year. The festival starts 15 days prior to Buddha's actual birthday and reaches its climax on this day. Here are some of the traditional events you can enjoy.
Traditional Lantern Exhibition

By hanging Lotus Lanterns Buddhists praise Buddha's virtue and try themselves to reach the world of enlightenment.   Each lantern, with different shape, symbolizes various wishes. The tortoise and crane symbolise longevity. The pomegranate, watermelon and garlic represent fecundity. The carp suggests success in careers. The tiger and leopard ward off evil powers.    The lantern exhibition is   good opportunity to see Korea's traditional lanterns, made according to historical literature, as well as creative contemporary lanterns.

Place Bongeunsa(temple) Boudang      
How to get there Exit 6 of Samseong subway station. (10 min walk)
   Or Exit 2 of Cheongdam subway station. (15 min walk)

This is a Buddhist ritual for celebrating the birth of Buddha and lighting up people's hearts. Every Buddha day at 10:00am, all temples in Korea start the special ritual with striking their bells 28 times.   The master priest reads Buddhist writings, then the ritual for bathing baby Buddha and the lantern festival begin.   

Place   Jogyesa (temple),   Dae-ungjeon (the main temple bldg.), any other temple in Korea
How to get there Exit 2 of line #1, Jonggak station, 10 min walk toward Anguk-dong

Buddha day commemorative train

In commemoration of Buddha's birth, special trains will run between Sangil-dong and the Banghwa section of subway line 5. Each train consists of 8 compartments, 5 (compartment 3~7) and the interiors are decorated with traditional Buddhist art mixed with a contemporary touch.   The exterior of the trains will be painted with Mandala figures.   
On weekdays
11:01 and 14:01 from Sangil-dong station12:31 and 15:31 from Banghwa station.   
On Saturdays
11:11, 14:10, 17:10 from Sangil-dong station 12:39, 15:40, 18:40 from Banghwa station
Sundays & Holidays
09:45, 12:45, 15:45 from Sangil-dong station
11:15, 14:15, 17:15 from Banghwa station


22-04-2002
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