SEOUL LANTERN FESTIVAL!!!

When it was mentioned that there is a Lantern Festival in Seoul, I got excited as the venue - the Cheonggyechon Stream is just outside of our training station. KTO building faces the said stream! My, I could not wait to see it!

The 2012 Seoul Lantern Festival lasted for  seventeen days from November 2 to 18 under the theme “Roots of Seoul, A Day in the Life of Our Ancestors”. The festival drew excited crowds on the 1.5km stretch from Cheonggye Plaza to Seungyo Bridge. The lighting of the lanterns usually starts at 5:00 pm, and turned off at 11:00 pm. The festival exhibited more than 35,000 lanterns.

As expected, I was there on the first night! Indeed, the display of lanterns depicting the history of Korea and the dynasties back then was stunning. The life-size lanterns designed as humans really create a realistic display of the history of Korea.

There was even a display of the musical band in those days. And it was almost realistic as it also played the traditional music.

I

Where people hang their wish list after which when complete looks
like a dragon!

I had my  camera positioned so it creates as if the miniature guards 
appear as if they are really guarding the Seoul Lantern Festival!  

There were thousands of people walking along the streams ready with their cameras! Even families brought their babies who were amazed by the lights and lanterns! Cameras endlessly clicked and arms were raised recording videos of the lantern display. Indeed, Christmas seemed near as the temperature was also getting colder that night!

This lantern festival happens every year and is a free of charge admission. If you plan on going to Korea, you may time it in November when they open it. Autumn as they say is the best time to visit Korea and lantern festival is another attraction you may want to also experience!