Written by Marissa Mirouse
Korea’s Buddha’s Birthday (부처님 오신 날, Seokga Tansinil) is one of the most vibrant and spiritually uplifting celebrations in the country. Held on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month (typically in May), this holiday transforms temples across Korea into luminous wonderlands, adorned with thousands of colorful lanterns, traditional performances, and festive parades. It’s a time when Buddhist temples open their doors to visitors, offering free meals, tea ceremonies, and meditation sessions, all while radiating an atmosphere of peace, reflection, and joy.
If you’re planning to celebrate Buddha’s Birthday in Korea, visiting a temple is a must-do experience. Each temple offers its own unique charm, from ancient architecture to stunning natural settings. Here are five of the most beautiful temples to visit during this special time, including the magnificent Geumsansa Temple in Gimje, each offering a memorable and spiritually enriching experience.
Jogyesa Temple (조계사) : The Heart of Buddha’s Birthday Celebrations
Jogyesa Temple is the epicenter of Buddha’s Birthday celebrations in Korea. As the headquarters of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, it hosts the country’s most spectacular lantern displays, with thousands of lanterns illuminating the temple grounds in a mesmerizing sea of light. The Lotus Lantern Festival, held in the days leading up to Buddha’s Birthday, features parades, traditional performances, and lantern-making workshops, making it a must-see for visitors and locals alike.
The temple grounds are transformed into a glowing paradise, with intricate lanterns shaped like lotus flowers, dragons, and Buddhist symbols. The main lantern, often depicting Buddha, is a breathtaking centerpiece that draws crowds from across the country.
On the Saturday before Buddha’s Birthday, a grand parade winds through the streets of Seoul, featuring floating lanterns, traditional dancers, and monks chanting. It’s a vibrant and joyful celebration that captures the spirit of the holiday.
Throughout the festival, the temple hosts traditional Korean music, dance, and martial arts performances, providing a rich cultural experience alongside the spiritual celebrations.
Bulguksa Temple (불국사): A UNESCO World Heritage Masterpiece
Bulguksa Temple is one of Korea’s most famous and historically significant temples, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 751 AD, it is a masterpiece of Buddhist art and architecture, with stone pagodas, wooden halls, and exquisite carvings that reflect the golden age of the Silla Dynasty. On Buddha’s Birthday, the temple is adorned with lanterns, and the ancient stones seem to glow under their light, creating an atmosphere of timeless beauty.
The famous Cheongungyo (Blue Cloud Bridge) and Baegungyo (White Cloud Bridge) are illuminated with lanterns, casting a soft, ethereal light on the intricate stone carvings. The Dabotap and Seokgatap pagodas also stand out against the night sky, making for stunning photographs.
Sunset is an ideal time to visit, as the lanterns begin to glow, and the temple’s ancient stones take on a golden hue. Stay for the evening ceremonies to fully immerse yourself in the spiritual energy of the place.
Haeinsa Temple (해인사) : Home of the Tripitaka Koreana
Haeinsa Temple is renowned for housing the Tripitaka Koreana, a collection of over 80,000 wooden printing blocks carved with Buddhist scriptures in the 13th century. This UNESCO-listed treasure is a testament to Korea’s rich Buddhist heritage, and the temple itself is a serene and majestic retreat nestled in the mountains of Gayasan National Park. During Buddha’s Birthday, Haeinsa becomes a beacon of light and wisdom, with lanterns illuminating the ancient halls and monks leading chanting sessions that resonate through the valleys.
While the wooden scriptures are usually kept in a special climate-controlled building, during Buddha’s Birthday, the temple offers guided tours explaining their historical and spiritual significance.
Haeinsa offers nighttime meditation sessions where visitors can sit under the stars and reflect on Buddha’s teachings. The stillness of the mountains makes this a profoundly peaceful experience.
Geumsansa Temple (금산사) : A Hidden Gem of Serenity and Grandeur
Geumsansa Temple is one of Korea’s most underrated yet stunning temples, often called the “Vulture Peak of the East” for its resemblance to the sacred site where Buddha delivered his teachings. Nestled in the foothills of Moaksan Mountain, the temple is known for its grand scale, intricate woodwork, and serene natural surroundings. During Buddha’s Birthday, Geumsansa is transformed into a sea of lanterns, with thousands of lights reflecting off the temple’s golden roofs and stone pagodas, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
The Daeungjeon (Main Buddha Hall) is one of the largest wooden temple halls in Korea, housing a massive golden Buddha statue that gleams under the lantern light. The intricate carvings and painted ceilings are a feast for the eyes.
Geumsansa hosts a vibrant lantern festival, with parades, traditional music, and dance performances. The temple’s wide courtyards provide ample space for visitors to explore and enjoy the festivities.
Visitors can participate in a temple stay, which includes meditation, chanting, and a tour of the temple’s sacred relics. The monks at Geumsansa are known for their warmth and willingness to share Buddhist teachings with visitors.
Tongdosa Temple (통도사) : The Temple Without a Buddha Statue
Tongdosa is one of Korea’s most unique and spiritually significant temples, known as the “Temple Without a Buddha Statue.” Instead of a physical Buddha, it enshrines sacred relics believed to be pieces of the historical Buddha’s robe and begging bowl. This makes Tongdosa a pilgrimage site for Buddhists, who come to pay respects to the relics and seek spiritual renewal. During Buddha’s Birthday, the temple is adorned with lanterns, and the ancient pines and stone paths take on a mystical glow.
The main hall houses the Buddha’s relics, and visitors can offer prayers and light incense in their honor. The atmosphere is one of deep reverence and tranquility.
Monks perform chanting and prayer ceremonies, and visitors are invited to join in meditation and reflection. The sound of the temple’s bell resonates through the mountain valleys, creating a profound sense of peace.
Tongdosa is also famous for its temple cuisine, and during Buddha’s Birthday, visitors can enjoy a free vegetarian meal prepared by the monks. The simple yet delicious dishes are a highlight of the visit.
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