Busan Lantern Festival

🗓️ Festival Period: 2025.04.18 ~ 2025.05.06

The Busan Lantern Festival represents a significant continuation of the Lantern Festival tradition (Yeondeunghoe), which holds the distinction of being designated National Important Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 122 within South Korea. This unique cultural practice boasts a history spanning over 1,300 years, originating as a way to celebrate Buddha’s Birthday. Central to the festival is the act of lighting lanterns, a symbolic gesture embodying prayers for harmony and prosperity throughout society. The primary objective of the Busan Lantern Festival is the preservation and advancement of this rich traditional culture, showcased through key events including a Joint Celebration Ceremony, the vibrant Lantern Parade, and extensive Traditional Lantern Exhibitions.

Festival Highlights and Schedule

The festival unfolds across multiple locations and dates, offering a diverse range of activities.

Main Celebration Day: Busan Lantern Festival

Date and Time: Saturday, April 26th, starting at 4:00 PM
Venue: Busan Citizens Park, Dasom Plaza
Content: The day’s events feature the Yeonhui-dan (Performance Troupe) Harmony Square, providing engaging traditional performances. This is followed by the Joint Celebration Ceremony, a formal observance of the festival’s significance. The highlight is the Lantern Parade, a visually impressive procession illuminating the park.

Extended Cultural Experience: Busan Lantern Culture Festival

Date: Friday, April 18th ~ Tuesday, May 6th
Venue: Song Sang-hyeon Square
Content: This extended period offers continuous engagement with lantern culture:
- Opening Lighting Ceremony: Officially commences the festivities on April 18th at 7:00 PM.
- Traditional Lantern Exhibition: A display of intricate and beautiful lanterns, available for viewing throughout the entire period (April 18th ~ May 6th).
- Wish Lantern Hanging Experience: Visitors can participate by hanging their own lanterns inscribed with wishes (April 18th ~ May 6th).
- Traditional Culture Experience Plaza: Offers hands-on activities related to Korean traditions (April 19th ~ 20th).
- Muchal Manbal Offering (Free Food Offering): A communal offering of food, available on April 20th.

Additional Activities

Beyond the main schedule, supplementary events enrich the festival experience.

Traditional Lantern Special Exhibition

Date: Tuesday, April 22nd ~ Monday, April 28th
Venue: Busan Citizens Park, Dasom Gallery
Content: This focused exhibition provides an opportunity for a closer look at the artistry of traditional lantern making.

Visitor SNS Contest

Date: Monday, April 7th ~ Friday, May 16th
Content: Festival attendees are encouraged to share their experiences on social media for a chance to participate in the contest.

Visitor Information

📍 Event Locations: The main festival events are held at Busan Citizens Park (Dasom Plaza & Dasom Gallery) and Song Sang-hyeon Square. The administrative address associated with the organizers is 121-1, Dongseong-ro 112beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan.
💰 Fee: Admission to the festival events is generally free. (Specific experiences may have separate material costs, though none are listed).
📞 Contact: For inquiries, please call 051-867-0501.
🖥️ Homepage: More details can often be found on the official website: Homepage
🛏️ Accommodation near the event

What is Busan known for?

Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, is recognized for its coastal landscapes, urban life, and cultural heritage. Situated between mountains and the sea, Busan combines natural beauty with cityscapes. The city is known for its beaches, such as Haeundae and Gwangalli, popular with both locals and tourists.

Busan is a cultural center, hosting events like the Busan International Film Festival, which attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts globally. The city’s history is evident in its temples, markets, and historic sites, including Beomeosa Temple and Gamcheon Culture Village, known for its colorful, terraced houses.

Busan is also noted for its cuisine, particularly fresh seafood and local dishes. The Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea’s largest seafood market, is essential for experiencing the city’s food scene. From its port to its parks, Busan blends tradition with modernity, offering a compelling destination for travelers.