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| An image of the Lotus Lantern Parade in this 2012 file photo. Korea Times file |
By Hallie Bradley
Each year, more than 300,000 people converge to celebrate in central Seoul with a gorgeous parade, cultural performances, activities and crafts over a three-day period. Buddha's birthday lands on April 30 this year and the festival runs from April 24 to 26. The highlight is a massive parade with more than 100,000 lanterns lit and carried from Dongdaemun to Jongak in central Seoul. Visitors can see beautiful lotus flower lanterns, a long dragon, elephants, fire-breathing peacocks and other amazing floats. The streets are blocked off to traffic and people from around the world come together to celebrate this cultural event.
The parade is stunning to see, but imagine walking in it! Each year, a number of foreigners and Koreans are chosen to work together and learn more about this event which the government has designated as Important Intangible Culture Heritage No. 122. Participants, called Global Cultural Ambassadors, can apply via its Culture Us program to learn more about Korean Buddhism during a temple stay at Jingwan Temple in Seoul. They'll work together with other volunteers to create fun flash mobs downtown to promote the upcoming events.
And that's just the beginning. The program is free and includes a one-of-a-kind uniform, all meals and a front row seat to many of the beautiful performances that will take place.
Amy Goalen, a former Global Supporter, encourages people to apply. "There are lots of opportunities to gather together, to share with people from so many other nations, and to have so many valuable learning experiences while staying here in Korea. Meditation workshops, and learning more about Korean Buddhism were absolutely two of my favorite parts of the program," she said.
Titi Aiyanyo, who has volunteered for the past five years, said, "At first, I joined the Global Supporters Program in order to experience the temple stay program. It is by far the best part about the program for me as we get to stay in Jingwan Temple, a temple surrounded by Bukhan Mountain and filled with Korean history. I think the reason why people from different countries come together to participate in this program every year is the joy of knowing we are part of something bigger than us, a part of Korean culture."
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| An image of a Lotus Lantern Parade in Seoul in this 2009 file photo / Korea Times file |
The parade culminates in a massive dance party in the streets near Jonggak Station on Seoul Metro Line 1. Supporters jump into the fun to lead dances with the crowds. From learning to participation and promotion, there are plenty of reasons to join this program that only a select few can do each year.
To qualify, applicants must be able to attend classes and various events between March 24 and April 30 in Seoul. An entire schedule can be found on the Culture Us website. "Volunteering is intrinsically good in and of itself, but by becoming a Global Supporters' volunteer you become part of the biggest event and parade in Korea, gathering people from all over the country and all over the world!" Goalen added. "It's an experience you won't soon forget."
People interested in Korean Buddhism who can speak English will make up the group of 40 foreigners and 20 Koreans chosen this year. Applications will be accepted until March 13.
Visit cultureus.co.kr and click on "LOTUS LANTERN FESTIVAL GLOBAL SUPPORTERS 2020" to apply.
Hallie Bradley is a writer based in Seoul and runs the popular site thesoulofseoul.net.
