Yongjoosa Temple, located in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, is a historic Buddhist temple founded in 1790 by King Jeongjo, the 22nd monarch of the Joseon Dynasty.
The temple was established to honor the memory of his father, Crown Prince Sado, symbolizing the king’s deep filial piety. The site originally housed Galyangsa Temple, which dates back to the Silla Dynasty, and Yongjoosa was constructed on its foundation.
The name “Yongjoosa” (meaning “Temple of the Dragon Jewel”) was given by King Jeongjo himself, inspired by a dream in which he saw a dragon ascending with a sacred jewel in its mouth. Over time, the temple became one of the key centers of Korean Buddhism and is now the head temple (Main Monastery) of the Jogye Order’s 2nd District, overseeing over 100 affiliated temples.
Yongjoosa preserves many cultural treasures, including National Treasure No. 120, the Yongjoosa Bell, and various relics from the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties. Today, it continues to spread Buddhist teachings and values through institutions like the Hyohang Education Center, which promotes filial piety as a core ethical principle.
Yongjoosa is not just a religious site, but a meaningful place to experience Korean traditional culture and spiritual heritage.
Buddha’s Birthday, also known as “Seokga Tansinil” in Korea, is one of the most significant Buddhist holidays, celebrating the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha.**
It falls on the 8th day of the 4th month in the lunar calendar, and is widely observed throughout Korea with temple visits, lantern displays, and ceremonial events that reflect Buddhist teachings of compassion and wisdom.
One of the most iconic features of this celebration is the Lotus Lantern (Yeondeung, 연등). The lantern symbolizes the light of wisdom illuminating the darkness of ignorance, and the lotus flower represents spiritual purity. Thousands of these lanterns are hung in temples and along city streets, creating a breathtaking night-time spectacle.
In Seoul, the most famous event is the Yeondeunghoe (Lotus Lantern Festival), a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage event featuring a grand lantern parade and traditional performances.
Temples like Yongjoosa also hold special rituals, including Dharma ceremonies, lantern hanging, and circumambulation rituals around pagodas, fostering community spirit and honoring the Buddha’s birth.