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In pics: Seoul celebrates ‘Lantern Festival’ after three years of covid hiatus

What is Lantern Festival?
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What is Lantern Festival?

Since its start in 2009, it has grown to become one of Seoul’s most well-known festivals, the festival’s theme changes every year, but one constant thing is the vast quantity of paper lanterns and LED sculptures. 

The lantern festival, according to reports is a large-scale procession event held in South Korea to celebrate Buddha’s birthday. 
 

Aims to light up the 'Hope'
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Aims to light up the 'Hope'

This year’s Lantern festival aims was to light up the lamp of hope and healing in the post- epidemic age, allowing people who have been exhausted by the new crown to feel at ease and resume their regular lives.

What does the lighting of lanterns symbolises ?
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What does the lighting of lanterns symbolises ?

The lighting of the lanterns symbolises the method of communication done during the war period, when lantern was utilised as military signals to prevent the Japanese from storming across the Namgang river during the Jinjuseong battle of 1952. Outside of the Jinjuseong Fortress, they were also used to communicate with family members. There are many activities to make people involve in the festival, but the attendees also have the chance to see amazing performances and parades.

People enjoy street food
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People enjoy street food

Now comes the main point, what is the one thing that every great festival has in common? Food! Many street food vendors are strewn about the festival grounds, serving variety of Korean famous food such as Spicy Rice cake, Fishcake, Hurricane potatoes and many more, reported by the Snack fever.

Fireworks show
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Fireworks show

The evening fireworks is another must-see thing at this fantastic event. The mesmerizing blaze of colour glistening against the dark night’s sky truly completes the experience to another wholesome level!