By: Miriam Bribiesca
You’ve binged the Korean Dramas, tried the skincare, and blasted Kpop in your room. But have you ever stood in the heart of Seoul with thousands of lanterns flowing overhead like a real life animated scene? We didn’t think so, which is why in this article we will be talking all about Seoul’s iconic lantern festivals. Whether you’re chasing enlightenment, adventure, or just new fire tiktoks to post, South Korea’s lantern scene is the spiritual and visual reboot your semester break deserves.
The Lotus Lantern Festival
First up is the Lotus Lantern Festival. It is a centuries old celebration that dates all the way back to the Silla Dynasty (that is over a thousand years ago!). This event honors Buddha’s Birthday, and it is one that blends spiritual reflection with street parades, DIY lantern crafting, and a true magical nighttime procession that turns the city into a living, breathing art installation.
The best part is that you and your travel buddies can join in for free. In fact, there are lantern making booths open to the public, cultural experience tents where you can try temple food, and even learn how to write your name in Hangul. Now that’s a core memory waiting to be made!
- Where to go: Jogyesa Temple and the surrounding streets in central Seoul.
- When to go: 2026 Dates: May 16–17,
- Don’t miss: The Yeondeunghoe Parade, where tens of thousands of participants parade through downtown and often carry massive glowing lanterns shaped like dragons, elephants and more!
The Seoul Lantern Festival
If you’re the type to romanticize fall leaves, warm drinks, and walking around in a giant scarf, this one’s for you. Held annually along the scenic Cheonggyecheon Stream, the Seoul Lantern Festival turns the downtown area into a glowing wonderland with fun lanterns.
The Seoul Lantern Festival began in 2009 as a way to blend Korea’s rich lantern making traditions with modern storytelling and tourism. Unlike the first one we mentioned, this one is less meditative and more about living in the moment.
- Where to go: Start at Cheonggye Plaza and follow the stream and see where the night takes you. You can’t go wrong on such a magical day!
- When to go: As of the writing of this article dates are TBA, but usually in November
- Don’t Miss: The Themed Light Zones along the stream, each section tells a story, from Korean folktales and K-dramas to fantasy worlds. Perfect for an entertaining stroll.
Jinju Lantern Festival
If the Lotus Lantern Festival is spiritual and the Seoul Lantern Festival is urban, the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival is a mix of both. This festival takes place in the southern city of Jinju, and dates back more than 400 years, originally born during the Imjin War of the late 1500s. Back then, lanterns were used to send military signals and honor fallen soldiers. Today, they’ve evolved into a breathtaking display of remembrance, peace, and hope.
If you decide to attend this festival, you’ll find lantern tunnels, lantern making tents, fireworks, and of course live performances.
Where to go: Namgang River, Jinjuseong Fortress, and surrounding downtown areas of Jinju.
When to go: Dates TBD for 2026 but likely early to mid October
Don’t Miss: Going just before sunset to the area around Chokseongnu Pavilion, it overlooks the river and gives you that perfect view to see floating lights for miles. You’re welcome!
Tips on Traveling on to South Korea on a Budget
Now, no trip talk is complete without talking about money, so let’s explore ways to save because your bank account deserves a heads up too.
- Flights: Watch those prices like your ex’s IG stories. But if you are not about that life and want to instead snag great deals year round, check out our ScholarTrip student only flight deals.
- Accommodations: Seoul is full with budget friendly options like guesthouses, capsule hotels, and even temple stays that are often a fraction of the cost for what a hotel would be.
- Food: Convenience store kimbap and tteokbokki from street vendors are great options that hit different not only because they’re delicious but also because they often cost less than $3. WIN WIN!
- Transport: Get a T money card (Korea’s rechargeable metro pass) and use Seoul’s ultra clean, and efficient subway. We hear even BTS takes it sometimes… so who knows, you might bump into them.
Clearly, South Korea is a mix of tradition and innovation. It’s safe, stylish, and student budget friendly. You don’t need to wait until you have it all figured out to go and with our flight deals getting to Seoul is more doable than ever. So pack light, pick one of the locations we mentioned, and prepare to be absolutely dazzled because who needs a super detailed itinerary when you’re in such a lively place as South Korea.
