"Compassion to the World": 1,500 Lanterns Illuminate Geumnam-ro

Wishing for Peace of Mind and Harmony in the World

Lantern Parade Spans 2 Kilometers from 5·18 Democracy Square

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijung and Local Dignitaries Attend in Large Numbers

On May 9, just fifteen days before Buddha's Birthday (Buddhist Era 2570), the 'Bitgoeul Lantern Festival' was grandly held around the 5·18 Democracy Square in Dong-gu, Gwangju. Despite the sweltering early summer weather, citizens and Buddhist devotees gathered under the lanterns that lit up the city center, wishing for the well-being of their families and peace in the world.

This event, hosted by the Gwangju Buddhist Association and sponsored by Gwangju City and the Bitgoeul Nanumnamu Foundation, was organized under the theme "Peace in the Mind, Harmony in the World." The scene was graced by Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijung, Sowoon, President of the Gwangju Buddhist Association, monks from major local temples such as Hwaeomsa, Songgwangsa, Baegyangsa, and Daeheungsa, as well as approximately 1,500 citizens, all coming together to celebrate.

On the afternoon of the 9th, the "Bitgoeul Lantern Festival" was grandly held around the 5·18 Democracy Square in Dong-gu, Gwangju, where over 1,500 people, including monks from major local temples and citizens, enjoyed the festival. Photo by Min Hyunki

The festival began with lively pre-ceremony performances by various temples and children's choir groups. Participants showcased choreography set to both traditional Buddhist music and the latest pop songs, creating a vibrant atmosphere that resonated across all generations. The stage, blending traditional solemnity with a modern touch, was met with enthusiastic cheers and applause from the audience.

The main lantern-lighting ceremony proceeded solemnly, starting with five strikes of the temple bell, followed by the Six Offerings, recitation of the Heart Sutra, the lighting ritual, and the official lantern-lighting declaration. Even as the daytime high temperature exceeded 24 degrees Celsius, citizens fanned themselves and remained until the end of the ceremony, reflecting on the spirit of Buddha's compassion.

The subsequent lantern parade began at 5·18 Democracy Square, covering a roughly 2-kilometer route that passed through Geumnam Park, along the Gwangju Stream, and Wedding Street. The procession, carrying lanterns of various shapes and colors, brightly illuminated the night streets of Geumnam-ro, delivering messages of compassion and equality to the citizens. After the parade, all participants gathered for a grand finale, bringing the festival to a celebratory close.

Sowoon, President of the Gwangju Buddhist Association, stated, "The Bitgoeul Lantern Festival is a celebration to praise the coming of Buddha and to illuminate the world with the lights of compassion and wisdom. I hope that Gwangju is reborn as a city of compassion and harmony, and that this light will spread into each person's life and throughout our society."

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijung remarked, "It has been more than 40 years since Gwangju and Jeonnam have blossomed as a symbol of democracy on the world stage. I believe that now, through unification, Jeonnam and Gwangju will once again emerge as a prosperous and splendid Gwangju. On July 1, we will be reborn as a unified special city. I trust that everyone will join us on this path, and I believe the great presence of Buddha, symbolized by tonight's lanterns, will shine brightly upon all the citizens of our new special city."

Meanwhile, the Bitgoeul Lantern Festival is a representative Buddhist cultural festival of Gwangju with a history spanning over 1,300 years. In particular, in December 2020, it was recognized for its value and inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, establishing itself as a global cultural heritage event.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.