Gyeongju Hwangseong River Lantern Festival 2025

Lighting Up Gyeongju Hwangseong with Compassion and Peace

The Dongguk University WISE Campus will host the 2025 Gyeongju Hwangseong River Lantern Culture Festival from April 24 to May 11, brightening the riverside and city streets with the glow of thousands of lanterns under the theme “Peace to the World, Compassion to the Heart.”

The festival, rooted in the ancient tradition of Yeondeunghoe that began during the Silla Dynasty, is held in celebration of Buddha’s Birthday (B.E. 2569).

It is organized by the Hwangseong River Lantern Festival Committee (E-Campus) and will be centered around the Geumjangdae riverside and downtown Gyeongju.

The event kicks off on April 24 with a celebratory concert at 6:30 p.m., followed by the opening ceremony, lighting ceremony, and a grand lantern parade.

A highlight of the festival, the parade will feature over 2,000 participants, including Buddhist monks, students, and local citizens.

The parade will begin at the Geumjangdae riverside, proceeding through key intersections in the city—including Gyeongju Girls’ High School, Dongguk University, Seonggeon Community Center, and the central market—before culminating in a festive gathering at Bonghwangdae.

From April 25 to 26, visitors can enjoy the Lantern Festa, Yeondeung Plogging, and emotive lantern exhibitions and photo zones.

Throughout the entire festival period, the Lantern Forest installation at Geumjangdae and decorative street lanterns across downtown Gyeongju will create a scenic nighttime ambiance.

The Geumjangdae lantern installation has become one of Gyeongju’s newest tourist attractions.

Venerable Beopcheon, head of the festival committee and director of the university’s Buddhist temple, stated, “This year’s festival has been carefully prepared with the hope that the compassionate light of the lanterns along the Hwangseong River brings peace of mind and happiness to all who witness it.”

Dongguk WISE Campus President Ryu Wan-ha added, “We hope this festival will not only create lasting memories for the community but also offer visitors a vibrant cultural experience that highlights the history and beauty of Gyeongju.”

The 2025 Hwangseong River Lantern Culture Festival is free to attend and includes a variety of cultural and spiritual programs that welcome both locals and tourists.

For more information, visit Dongguk University WISE Campus website.

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