May 4, 2019 – tens of thousands of people gathered in downtown Seoul to witness and take part in the annual Yeon Deung Hoe (연등회), or Lotus Lantern Festival. What started as a centuries-old festival with Buddhist significance has expanded to become a cultural event for both Korean and international participants. My good friend Dylan Goldby and I hit the streets of Jongno to witness and photograph this spectacle. Eclectic is probably a good word to describe the parade, which ranged from devoted Buddhist monks to loud, bright, and extravagant floats. Has the tradition been lost among the LED lights and loud music? It’s up to you to decide.
One thing is for sure, the parade was a feast for the eyes and I enjoyed capturing the colors and the movement through a mix of panning and steady shots.