Have you ever witnessed the most beautiful Lotus Lantern Festival in South Korea? Celebrating Buddha's birthday, this festival transforms temples into breathtaking spectacles adorned with colorful lanterns, and Samgwangsa Temple (삼광사) in Busan is one of the best spots to experience it.
SAMGWANGSA TEMPLE - 삼광사
Samgwangsa Temple, situated at the base of Baekyang Mountain, is a Buddhist sanctuary beloning to the Cheontae-jong Order, the third largest Buddhist Order in South Korea. Though relatively young, constructed in the early 1980s, it has flourished into one of Busan's largest temples. Together with Beomeosa Temple and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Samgwangsa, is the the third most famous temple in the city.
A GLOWING CELEBRATION: DISCOVERING THE LOTUS LANTERN FESTIVAL
LOTUS LANTERN FESTIVAL 2024
2024.4.27. (Fri) ~ 2024.5.15. (Sun)
Each year, Samgwangsa Temple hosts the Lotus Lantern Festival, a vibrant celebration of Buddha's Birthday. The temple is adorned with over 40.000 beautiful and colorful lanterns, illuminating the night with a breathtaking glow. It's so beautiful that it draws visitors from all around the country.
MY VISIT TO THE TEMPLE: DAYTIME TO NIGHT TIME
I visited Samgwangsa Temple on a weekday, arriving around 7 pm when there was still a lot of daylight. I wanted to be able to see the beautiful temple at different times of the day, so I decided to go at that time. For those planning a visit, arriving slightly before evening allows you to fully appreciate the beauty of the lanterns. Weekdays are preferable to avoid the crowds! During the weekend it's extremely crowded and the traffic congestion makes it hard to reach the temple by car/taxi.
WHY YOU SHOULDN'T MISS IT
Having visited the festival for the second consecutive year, I can say that it's a must-see event for anyone in Busan or in South Korea during this time. The atmosphere created by the lightened lanterns is truly unforgettable! You definitely won't be disappointed as it's a very unique experience! GETTING TO SAMGWANGSA TEMPLE
Getting to Samgwangsa is very easy since it's located near Seomyeon, Busan's city center. Simply get off at Seomyeon station and head to exit 9. From there, catch the Busanjin-gu 15 bus, which takes you directly to the temple entrance.
There is no entrance fee to the temple.
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