These photos showcase modern lantern sculptures displayed at a Korean Buddhist temple during the annual Lotus Lantern Festival, celebrated around Buddha’s Birthday in May. The scene blends cultural tradition with contemporary creativity: large effigy figures, such as children on bicycles and stylized trees, pair playful everyday motifs with classic Buddhist symbolism.



The installations hold deeper significance in today’s Korea. They echo traditional Buddhist ritual—lantern-lighting as a symbol of wisdom and enlightenment—while also serving as vibrant, accessible public art. By portraying relatable themes like childhood and nature alongside sacred figures, they invite a broader audience, especially families and the younger generation, to engage with Buddhist heritage in a joyful, communal setting. Such displays exemplify how Korean Buddhism has transformed its visual culture to foster inclusivity and dialogue with urban society, bridging ancient practices and contemporary life through festive art and shared experience.