Seoul Lotus Lantern Parade 2014

Today I joined Joyce and the Hwagyesa Temple group in the Lotus Lantern Parade in Seoul for the second year.  Joyce and I got to Dongguk University around 3:30 pm and were the first ones there; most of the monks and laypeople got there around 4:30 pm or so.  While we waited we chatted and snacked on some rice balls and cherry tomatoes that the event staff gave us.  We listened to the opening ceremonies - a lot of chatting and a few speeches from heads of temples - and the parade began around 7 pm.  The laypeople were all given loose green robes (of sorts) to wear while we carried our lanterns.

We were told beforehand that the parade would be held in silence in honor of the victims of the recent ferry tragedy, but that was changed slightly.  Instead, they didn't have the usual music and dancers, and many people walking in or watching the parade were chanting a short chant (which sounded something like 'so ka moonie beul', though I'm probably butchering it).  The parade started at Dongguk University and ended near Anguk station.  We were packed in pretty tightly, so I couldn't see much while I was walking it, but it was a pleasant (if slightly solemn) experience.

After the parade finished, Joyce and I (along with another person from the temple, James) went to a nearby temple to admire their ceiling of lanterns.  We also walked along Cheonggyecheon Stream to see the huge float-sized lanterns there.

Joyce had to leave around 9:30 pm because she's taking the TOEIC tomorrow, but James and I got dinner at a cheap Korean restaurant before heading home.  I got back at midnight and I'm exhausted, but it was a very good day.  It's also almost one year since Joyce and I met at last year's parade, so it was kind of an anniversary celebration of our friendship.  Here's hoping I'll still be around to do it next year!