By Reporter Kim Ji Eun

After 4 years, with the lifting of COVID-19 restric­t ions, mor e than 300,000 foreigners gathered around Dongguk University and Jongno, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

By Kim Ji-eun, Beopwang­cheongsinmun Journalist | On May 20th, the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lantern Festival took place in Dongguk University and the Jongno area in Seoul. The highlight of the festival was the lantern procession. With way, monks and Buddhists lit their own lanterns, illumi­nating the Jongno area. This year's lantern festival was es­pecially significant as it was the first event to return to its pre-pandemic form.

The Buddha's Birthday Cel­ebration Committee started the lantern procession at 7 p.m. under the theme of "Peace of Mind, Buddha's World." On this day, monks and Bud­dhists carried colorful lanterns and began their journey from Dongguk University Stadium, passing through Jongno, and ending at Jonggak and Seoul Jogyesa Temple.

The lantern procession was led by the Chwitadae f loat, featuring the Inro Wangbeon and Obangbulbeon lanterns. They were followed by the Beomcheon lantern, Jeseok­cheon lantern, Sacheonwang lantern, and Yukbeopgong­yang lantern.

The procession was composed of a congratulatory committee, including Venerable Jinwoo as the chairman, representatives from the Korean Buddhist Confederation, Park Bo-gyun, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Hong Ik-pyo, Chairman of the Nation­al Assembly's Committee on Culture, Sports, and Tourism. It also included the Central Buddhist Chanting Group, Seokrimhoe from Dongguk University, the Paramita Youth Association, and students from Jongnip School.

Unl ike last year, when strict COVID-19 prevention measures were in place in the Jongno area, this year's procession attracted a large crowd of foreigners and citi­zens, filling the streets. Each time the lantern procession passed, citizens cheered and applauded, creating a festive atmosphere.