Many happy returns in Seoul

Holidaymakers looking to catch a flight to Seoul this spring should make sure they arrive in time for the celebration of the birth of Buddha.

The Lotus Lantern Festival runs from May 18th to 20th and sees both Buddhists and non-religious people congregate to celebrate this special day through a variety of spectacular events.

Downtown Seoul will light up in style as devotees hang lotus-shaped lanterns while making wishes for the next year. Traditional folk events and prayer rituals will also take place.

Children will be able to enjoy a range of activities, such as face-painting and lantern-making, while older attendees can sample Zen meditation and traditional Buddhist musical and dance performances.

Elsewhere in Seoul, visitors can marvel at the Jongno parade, which ends in colourful fashion in front of the Jogyesa Temple with a superb cascade of pink paper blossoms and much singing and dancing.

For more information, check out the Korea Tourism Organization website.

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