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Various events and celebrations have been and are being held across Korea to mark Buddha's
Birthday. For a look at the importance of the day and
a lantern festival held in central Seoul, Lee Ji-won reports.
Korea is celebrating Buddha's 2-THOUSAND-560th birthday.
And to mark the occasion, various events are being held in central Seoul,... with bright
and colorful decorations lighting up the city's Buddhist temples.
During this season, more people visit the temples to cleanse their minds and souls.
"Buddha taught us the righteous way of living... and I am really thankful for that. It's also
nice to come here with my daughter."
With a history spanning 16-hundred years, Buddhism is a major religion in Korea with
an estimated ten million Buddhists in the country
The government designated the day as a public holiday in 2005.
But Seokgatansinil, as Koreans call it, has a much deeper meaning.
"One of Buddha's greatest teachings is that people need to do good deeds. People are aware
of such teachings, but are too stressed to practice them. So Buddha's Birthday gives
us the opportunity to embrace it and reflect on ourselves."
One of the major events on Buddha's Birthday is the lantern festival.
With the meaning of enlightenment and symbolizing hope, lanterns are lit and hung during this
season. And like every other year, ornate lanterns
of all shapes and sizes light up the paths along the Cheonggyecheon Stream in northern
Seoul. Made with colorful traditional hanji paper,
the lanterns portray traditional Korea and Buddhism.
Couples, families and friends stop by to admire the entrancing lanterns.
It's a festive event that provides more enjoyment on Buddha's Birthday.
Lee Ji-won, Arirang News.