The annual Seoul Lantern Festival has kicked off along a major waterway in the South Korean capital. Now in its fifth year, the festival is dedicated to the ancient Baekje dynasty, which enjoyed a 500 year rule on the Korean peninsula.
A giant, illuminated bird soars over the captivated crowd gathered below.
The five-meter-tall lantern in the shape of a hawk was the national bird of Korea’s ancient Baekje Dynasty, and is one of a variety of colorful lanterns on display during this year’s Seoul Lantern Festival.
Some 30,000 colorful lanterns are brightening the pathway along the Cheonggyecheon, a canal in central Seoul where the festival is held every year. Various colorful lanterns can be seen, all following the theme "One Thousand Year Old Dream of Baekje".
The ancient Kingdom is brought to life in the magnificent figures made of light, illuminating the kingdom’s history.
The outdoor festival in central Seoul gives people a chance to relax and retreat from busy urban life.
Lee Kyung-Min, College Student, said, "I wasn’t feeling that great after exams, so I came to the Cheonggye Stream to refresh myself. I feel good after seeing these very pretty lanterns and going on a date with my boyfriend for the first time in a long while. I’m going to take a lot of photos and eat good food."
The 2013 Seoul Lantern Festival will be open until November 17th.
Organizers say they expect this year’s event to attract around 3 million visitors, that’s 500-thousand more than last year.
There will also be exhibitions, lantern-making activities and performances, for people of all ages to enjoy.
Source: CCTV
