Lonely Planet Seoul (Travel Guide)

Buddha’s birthday (celebrated on 17 May in 2013, 6 May in 2014 and 25 May in 2015) brings a kaleidoscope of light and colour, as rows of delicate paper lanterns, lit at dusk, are strung along the main thoroughfares and in temple courtyards.

One of the most spectacular that is well worth building your travel plans around is the Lotus Lantern Festival, which happens in May in celebration of the Buddha’s birthday.