28 Apr
Buddha’s Birthday is a public holiday in Korea that’s also celebrated in other Asian countries. In Korea, about 30% of Koreans are Christian and about 17% are Buddhist. Even if you’re not interested in celebrating Buddha’s Birthday or practicing Buddhism yourself, you might be curious about what to expect from this public holiday. Whether you’re just interested in learning about Buddha’s Birthday or you want to participate in the festivities, here’s everything you need to know about the special holiday.
What Is It?
Siddhartha Gautama (aka the Buddha) was a religious teacher in South Asia who founded Buddhism in the 5th or 6th century. While Buddha’s Birthday is technically a religious holiday for millions of people who practice Buddhism, it’s also a public holiday in Korea! Another name for it is the Festival of the Lanterns, which makes sense because it’s super common to see festivals and carnivals during this holiday! Here is a link about Korean Buddhism in particular.
When Is It?
Buddha’s Birthday in Korea always falls on the eighth day of the fourth month of the lunar new year, which means this year it will fall on May 5, 2025.
What Do They Do?
- Parades – If you’re in a major city in Korea, especially Seoul, expect a lantern parade in honor of Buddha’s Birthday. If you don’t have a chance to check out a parade, think about picking out a lantern to have in your home as a part of your own Buddha’s Birthday celebration!
- Temples – Even if you’re not Buddhist, checking out a temple for Buddha’s Birthday is a good idea. A lot of them give free meals on Buddha’s Birthday, so expect bibimbap or another traditional Korean meal! If you’re in Seoul, I recommend visiting Bongeunsa Temple near the Coex Mall.
Cultural Learning Moments
Aside from getting the day off as a National Holiday, learning about different cultures and religions is another great perk of living and teaching in Korea! I knew very little about Buddhism prior to coming to Korea, but I’ve visited a few temples both here and in Japan. It’s been an amazing experience!
Diana Richtman, Marketing Manager
Diana Richtman is a writer and ESL teacher living in Seoul, South Korea. Originally from Savannah, Georgia in the United States, Diana holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia in English & Women’s Studies. After receiving her TEFL certification, Diana moved to South Korea where she works at one of Creverse’s April Institutes. When Diana isn’t working, she loves exploring Korea, drinking warm cups of tea, and scaring away her friends with her karaoke performances.