In case you missed it the last few dozen times I’ve said it, let me just say again: Buddha’s Birthday is my favorite holiday in Korea. On Buddha’s Birthday, or “Seokgatanshinil” (석가탄신일) as it’s called in Korean, the Buddhist faithful hang lanterns bearing prayers and wishes all around the temples, which serve free vegetarian Bibimbap for lunch or dinner. The larger temples often host free concerts and cultural performances in the afternoon, but what really makes Buddha’s Birthday special for me is the Lantern Parade held after sundown at historical temples like Bulguksa and Tongdosa.
Going by the lunar calendar, this year’s Buddha’s Birthday falls on May 10th, which just so happens to be today. Unfortunately, from glancing out the window, it looks like spring showers are going to put a damper on this year’s festivities. However, to mark the occasion, I’m posting some photos I took on Buddha’s Birthday last year, when the weather was a bit sunnier. My son had been born just a few weeks earlier and my in-laws were visiting so together we popped over to Yeongheungsa (영흥사) Temple in Chunghyo-dong to check out the festivities and partake in the free lunch.
Yeongheungsa is neither a very large or historic temple, yet it has a pleasant atmosphere and beautiful grounds. Being an urban temple, it doesn’t lack for patronage either. The temple has lovely landscaping, plus its numerous Buddha halls are decorated with colorful scenes from the life of the Buddha, as well as legends from the history of Zen and Korean Buddhism. Unusually for a city temple, the temple also has two separate halls for Korean shamanistic deities: one for the San-shin, or Mountain God, and another for the Yeonghwang, or Dragon King.
Getting there around noon, Yeongheungsa was packed with hungry devotees. Upon arriving, folks would pour water on the statue of the baby Buddha and then make their way up the stairs to the Buddha hall to pay their respects with prostrations. Tents had been set up around the lawn and the atmosphere was festive as local Buddhists chatted with family and enjoyed their veggie bibimbap.
There was table by the front gate where the faithful could pick up a lantern, fill out and attach a prayer card and then hang the lantern in courtyard for a small donation. We chose to hang one for our new born son and made the mistake of asking about the suggested donation. The going rate was about 30,000 won, which might help explain how the temple is so well funded 
By mid-afternoon, things began to die down a bit at Yeongheungsa. We took our leave to go rest up a bit before heading out to Bulguksa for the lantern parade that evening (which I unfortunately expect to be called off this year due to rain).
Anyhow, if you’re interested in dropping by Yeongheungsa next Buddha’s Birthday (or any other time for that matter), it’s not too hard to find. From the Bus Stations, cross over the river on the main road (Chunghyo-ro Road) and continue straight up the hill along Chunghyo-dong. Yeongheungsa Temple will be a few lights up, on the left, just past Seoraebol College. It’s tucked in a little bit from the main road along the foot of Mt. Seondosan, so keep an eye out for the stone sign below.
Buddha's Birthday at Yeongheungsa Temple, Gyeongju
Buddha's Birthday at Yeongheungsa Temple, Gyeongju
Buddha's Birthday at Yeongheungsa Temple, Gyeongju
Buddha's Birthday at Yeongheungsa Temple, Gyeongju
Buddha's Birthday at Yeongheungsa Temple, Gyeongju
Buddha's Birthday at Yeongheungsa Temple, Gyeongju
Buddha's Birthday at Yeongheungsa Temple, Gyeongju
By mid-afternoon, things began to die down a bit at Yeongheungsa. We took our leave to go rest up a bit before heading out to Bulguksa for the lantern parade that evening (which I unfortunately expect to be called off this year due to rain).Buddha's Birthday at Yeongheungsa Temple, Gyeongju
Buddha's Birthday at Yeongheungsa Temple, Gyeongju
Buddha's Birthday at Yeongheungsa Temple, Gyeongju
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