Hot Tip

To understand the soul of Seoul, take some time to appreciate its Buddhist heritage. Saturdays at the Pongwonsa Temple, on Mt. Muak near Yonsei University in western Seoul, you can catch a reenactment of Buddha preaching to his disciples. The ceremony features 14 monks and nuns chanting and dancing in harmony with traditional Korean musical instruments like the popko, a barrel-shaped drum. The $16 admission price includes a vegetarian meal prepared by the monks. Call 822-392-3007 for more information. Temples across Korea will be commemorating Buddha's birthday on May 22 with a series of lantern parades. The Seoul celebration is expected to see about 30,000 participants beginning a colorful procession from Tongdaemun Stadium at around 7 p.m., joining together in a sea of glowing lights throughout the city well into the night. Visitors are invited to join in at a do-it-yourself lantern-making event taking place from 2 p.m. onward at Chonggak. For directions and details, call 822-725-6641.

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