Lantern Festival in Seoul

Drums illuminate the soul as bellowing base beats ooze from the cities core.  Flickering lanterns pour out of dark alley ways amassing like droplets would on a leaf.  They collide and flow like a river now on the main street of Insadong.  Brilliant lanterns and lotus flowers with vibrant colors of every array dance rhythmically atop their puppet masters below.  The buildings towering along the main street are mere embankments to prevent the glowing river from breaking free of it's formation.  Buddhas birthday whether you be Buddhist or not is an unbelievable experience.  Starting and ending at Jisang temple where three mammoth Buddhas sit as big as the Lincoln Memorial.  The lotus lantern festival is one of the most spectacular festivals in Seoul.  Traditionally lotus lanterns were lit to symbolize religious devotion and to confirm the next years commitment of performing good deeds.  The lights symbolize the hope in illuminating the darkest parts of the world.  Lighting the evil that swims, spawns, and feeds in darkness and negativity.  All of the lanterns are given out for free at any of the temples in Seoul.  The night is filled with celebrations including dancing, singing, and eating.  Three things that I am very good at.  Well except for singing but I enjoy it a lot.  Anyways if you ever come to Korea the lantern festival is a must see.