KOREA.COM

The 2011 Seoul Lantern Festival, the brightest lantern festival in the world, was held from November 4 through 20 along the Cheonggye Stream in Seoul. During the festival, over 2.7 million visitors came to see the beautiful lanterns.

The festival, which began in 2009, has become one of the most successful festivals in Korea. The festival is now a must-visit event for visitors and photographers; not to mention over 410,000 foreigners who also visited the festival. During the festival, many expats and visitors from abroad admired the beautiful lights and proclaimed their approval with adulations such as “Wonderful!” and “Fantastic!”

- Cartoon character lanterns were very popular among children.

The cartoon-character lanterns were the ones that children loved most of all. The detailed lanterns looked cute and lovely and portrayed the characters very well. The festival was the perfect occasion for parents and children to enjoy the sights.

- The Leaning Tower of Pisa lantern-

The Leaning Tower of Pisa lantern must have been very impressive to Italians. The architectural design of the tower and its famous lean were meticulously re-created in detail. It added a special touch to the festival.

- The Statue of Liberty lantern -

People who have seen the real Statue of Liberty were surprised at the lantern’s similarity. The lantern seemed to be emitting the light of liberty and made many foreigners proclaim, “Awesome!”

- Dolphin lanterns -

The Dolphin lanterns made people feel like they were at the ocean. They looked like real dolphins, happily crossing the sea together. The blue light emitting from the lanterns was so beautiful it made people’s hearts flutter.

- Scholar lanterns -

The lantern portraying an old scholarhad a Korean traditional hat and featured a writing brush poised delicately over parchment. The explanation described an old scholar who had to study by the light of a small kerosene lamp because there was no electricity in the past. The lantern is so elaborate that it’s easy to feel the spirit of Korean ancestors.

There were many other beautiful lanterns brightening the dark night at the Cheonggye Stream. Even though the weather was cold, the lanterns gave visitors a warm feeling in their hearts. The festival will be held again next year and into the future, to make the world a brighter place. So to give joy to families, friends, and lovers, including people from all over the world, don’t forget to visit the festival next year and have a lovely time during the 2012 Seoul Lantern Festival.

• Source: Korea.com